A soldier turned commercial driving specialist is warning professional drivers to act now before new regulations come into effect that could force them off the road.
The advice comes from Andrew Haywood who recently set up AH Logistics Training, a driver training business specialising in the recently introduced Driver Certificate of Professional Competence.
Mr Haywood, of Newton Aycliffe, said Passenger Service Vehicle (PSV) drivers already need the certificate but Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) drivers will require it by September 2014.
Driving without the certificate, which requires 35 hours of training, will be an offence and carries a fine of up to £1,000 for both the driver and the employer.
The Army Reserve soldier, who has also served with the Regular Army, said: “Now is the time for professional LGV drivers and their employers to act. The later you leave it, the greater the chance of not completing the required training by the deadline and both drivers and employers are risking losing their livelihoods.”
Andrew 46, has more than 20 years’ experience of military and commercial driving and currently serves with 102 Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, in Newton Aycliffe.
In his civilian life he is running weekend and evening courses across the North-East covering drivers’ hours, health and safety, safe loading techniques, fuel efficient driving and is accredited by the Joint Awarding Unit of Periodic Training.
The married-father-of-two added: “There are many companies out there who take their responsibilities extremely seriously and their drivers will be well on their way to achieving the requirements. My concern is for the many owner-drivers and agency drivers who could find themselves caught out and unable to work.”
Certificates last five years and are available from £55 per driver. For more information email ahlogisticstraining@gmail.com or call 07879 451758.
