BUSINESS HELPDESK HELP DESK


KEEPING TRANSPORT ON TRACK


The Coronavirus pandemic has affected merchant businesses in many different ways. Some have taken the opportunity to actively reassess business models and prioritise new areas. Others have prioritised servicing existing business while adapting to revised operating procedures. But the time and attention required for either option may have let other routines slip though the net.


DRIVER CPC TRAINING is one area that may have fallen by the wayside during the Coronavirus pandemic. Prompt Services, whichprovides BMF’s Transport Plus service, is concerned that if not quickly addressed this could lead to costly problems in the coming months. “Training has dropped significantly since the Covid outbreak. Obviously in the early days social distancing measures reduced the training courses available and the DVSA responded to this. However, physical training courses are now running and we also offer remote Driver CPC training. It is vital for everyone to get back on track with Driver Qualification and CPC card renewals,” explains Bob Sands Training and Senior Compliance Manager at Prompt Services. The DVSA announced a number of measures in response to Covid including an extension of driving licence, Driver Qualification (DQC) and Driver CPC card renewals. The validity of driving licences and DQCs with an expiry date between 1 February 2020 and 31 August 2020 was extended by 7 months. If the expiry date on a licence or driver CPC card fell within this period, drivers were advised to add 7 months to that date to calculate the new expiry date. Anyone falling into these categories can renew at any time before the extension ends.


However, the DVSA has rescinded an earlier notification that they would not carry out enforcement action against drivers from 1 to 30 September 2020 if their DQC expired during this period. Be advised that this


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roadworthiness base score of 1.3 or lower on 27 July 2020. All exemptions will be applied automatically but new test dates can be confirmed at https://www. check-mot.service.gov.uk O-Licence holders should also be aware that temporary relaxations on Preventive Maintenance Inspection (PMI) intervals ended on 1 September 2020. All vehicles and trailers must return to the inspection frequency stated on their licence. If this is not possible, the Operator must notify the Office of the Traffic Commissioner in advance with an explanation and a risk assessment of the alternative arrangements proposed.


notice has been withdrawn and enforcement action will now take place. The DVSA has stated there are now enough periodic training courses available for drivers whose DQC expires in September to enable them to renew within the original timescale.


If a driver’s DQC expires from September 2020, they must not drive until it is renewed. Drivers could face a £1000 fine if they drive without a valid DQC. Bob Sands added: “Failing to renew on time could also adversely affect the outcome of an investigation by the traffic commissioners.


“‘O’ Licence holders whose records are not up to date are more likely to be penalised if they are subject to an investigation.”


Other DVSA regulations explained


Exemptions are in place for the Heavy Goods Vehicle annual test (MOT) until March 2021. If they have not already received one, all vehicles and trailers due for test up to March 2021 will now receive a 3-month exemption.


Certain vehicles and trailers will get longer exemptions. Vehicles or trailers up to 2 years old have a 12-month extension. Other exemptions are governed by their fleet operators’ status.


Earned Recognition operators have been given a 12 month exemption for their whole fleet, as have Operators in the green OCRS roadworthiness band with 50 or more roadworthiness events and a calculated


Direct Vision Standard Finally, for those operating in Greater London, a reminder that the Direct Vision Standard comes into effect on 1 October 2020. All vehicles over 12 tonne GWT must have a permit to drive into the controlled area.


The Direct Vision Standard will be enforced from 1 March 2021 with penalties of £500 for the operator and £130 for the driver se without a permit. BMJ


If you would like to find out more about driver training, and how BMF Transport Plus could benefit your business, please contact Prompt Training at


sales@prompttraining.co.uk or 01773 850428, quoting your BMF membership number.


www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net September 2020


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