Mike Penning meets with local hauliers

Mike Penning MP was able to combine his role as Transport Minister with that of local Member of Parliament last week when he met with local and national hauliers at Maylands Business Park.

Mike met with hauliers at Geest in Maylands to discuss safety and driver training. They particularly discussed ongoing driver training and the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) which has been in force since 2008.

The Driver CPC is operated across the EU in order to maintain high driving standards and improve road safety. It requires drivers to complete a minimum of 35 hours of periodic training every five years. Courses include fuel efficient driving, legal requirements and first aid.

Mike said:
“I firmly believe that in these times of narrow margins for road hauliers it is in everyone’s interest that drivers are trained in subjects such as fuel efficient driving which will reduce fuel costs and help the environment at the same time.

“I am also particularly keen that drivers learn first aid as if they do find themselves at the scene of an accident they may be able to help in that critical few minutes before paramedics arrive.

“The road haulage industry is vital to our economic growth and I was delighted to meet with national and local hauliers to discuss key issues.”