Truck and Track Autumn 2021

www.truckandtrack.com Autumn 2021 Truck and Track 35 PALLET NETWORKS The government has announced plans to help to tackle the shortage of lorry drivers by creating an extra 50,000 lorry tests. Changes to tests will come into force as soon as possible. They follow a public consultation over the summer, which saw thousands of respondents, including industry leaders, support the move as a positive step to help the sector tackle the lorry driver shortage currently affecting countries around the world. These changes will not change the standard of driving required to drive an HGV, with road safety continuing to be of paramount importance. Any driver who does not demonstrate utmost competence will not be granted a licence. All car drivers will also still be encouraged to undertake training to tow trailers and caravans. 50% more tests have already been delivered than were available before the pandemic, but further additional measures will deliver yet more tests. Public feedback on the consultation proposals The consultation received over 9,500 responses and most respondents supported the proposals. Responses have been analysed and a summary of the public feedback on these proposals has been published on GOV.UK . A full consultation report will be published in due course. Staging of lorry and bus and coach licences and tests Under the new proposals, learner lorry drivers will be able to take an articulated lorry test without the need to pass a rigid lorry test first once the legislation has changed. Likewise, learner bus and coach drivers will be able to take a bus and coach test with a trailer, rather than having to pass a test without a trailer first. This will not change the standard of driving required to drive a lorry. Legal processes must be followed, and if completed successfully, we expect the regulations will be amended as soon as possible. If your drivers have a rigid lorry test booked Companies are advised to talk to their drivers who have a rigid lorry test booking about these changes so you can together make an informed decision about their upcoming test. You may wish to wait for the legislation to change. Their trainers will not be able to change these bookings until the revised legislation has come into force. You will still be able to book a rigid lorry test and a bus and coach test without trailers following this change. Trainers conducting the manoeuvres assessment in vocational driving tests In the future, the off-road manoeuvres part of vocational tests will be assessed by DVSA-approved vocational trainers. These manoeuvres will be assessed at the vocational trainer’s off-road area before the on-road test with DVSA. An extra 50,000 lorry tests a year a member of the Stertil Group Tel. 0870 770 0471, info@stertil.co.uk, ww w.stertil-dockproducts.co.uk • Versatile: Accepts double decker vehicles and most HGVs. • Efficient: Reduces energy loss and maintains internal environment. • Easily Retro Fitted: Custom made to suit building profile. • Demonstrations: Available at our Northampton demo theatre. • Reduced Maintenance: Eliminates damage caused by Double Deckers on conventional shelters. • Free Survey . Double Deckers Welcome A virtually airtight seal for a greater range of vehicle heights