LTB 167/20 – Coronavirus: Driver CPC Requirement – Temporary Changes
No: 167/2020
1st April 2020
For the Immediate Attention of All:
Postal Branches
Divisional Representatives
Area Distribution Representatives
Network LGV Representative
Parcelforce Regional Organisers
Dear Colleagues
Coronavirus: Driver CPC Requirement – Temporary Changes
Branches are advised that due to the current Coronavirus crisis, the Department of Transport (DfT) has put in place temporary changes in Professional Driver Qualification requirements for CPC. For absolute clarity the changes announced by the DfT apply to Great Britain only, as arrangements in Northern Ireland are devolved. However, the department has been informed by Royal Mail that the Northern Ireland Department for Infrastructure has also approved the same measure.
Most professional lorry and bus drivers must complete 35 hours periodic training every 5 years to maintain a Driver CPC card however during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak it has been recognised that it may be difficult for drivers to complete the required training.
The DfT has therefore put in place temporary changes in Professional Driver Qualification requirements which mean that drivers whose Driver CPC card expires in the period from 1st March 2020 to 30th September 2020 can continue driving. Drivers will not be subject to enforcement action by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) in respect of the Driver CPC regulations. Police forces have been informed of this position.
Any driver stopped by an enforcement officer may be asked to show that they have previously recently held a Driver CPC, and as such Drivers should continue to carry their expired Driver CPC card if they have it.
The Professional Drivers that this measure applies to will be required to comply with Driver CPC rules from 1st October 2020. Attached for the information of Branches is the communication released by Royal Mail on the issue.
Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.org quoting reference 014.14
Yours sincerely
Davie Robertson
Assistant Secretary