Lorry and Bus Driver Safety Regulations Under Review
The Department for Transport (DFT) along with the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has recently released proposals to extend licence renewal measures and fitness reporting for drivers of trucks and buses, based on certain revised guidelines for the same.
These measures take into account the implementation of new European norms that come into effect in 2013. These cover aspects like driver testing, training, examination, and the issuing of licences. Apart from drivers of buses and lorries, these proposals also cover driving instructors, motorcyclists and drivers of medium-sized trailers.
As per the current norms, only drivers of lorries and buses over the age of 45 need to undergo a medical test when renewing their licence every five years. Also, they need to demonstrate their driving fitness through a test. However, post 2013, drivers under 45 also need to have a medical fitness report, though they need not undergo the test while renewing their licences. The photograph will have to be renewed every ten years, the same as all the other driving licences currently issued.
Chief executive of the DSA, Rosemary Thew, said that it is important everyone has the skills needed to drive safely. The agency is already working closely with those industries likely to be affected the most by the new norms, and is working on better and easier ways to ensure compliance. Thew encouraged anyone else with an interest in the issue to participate in dialogues to help finalize these proposals and make the agency’s work simpler.
According to Noel Shanahan, Chief Executive of the DVLA, the new norms will improve driving and safety standards on European roads. He said that the norms would be introduced in order to minimize the impact on driver performance.
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