The senior traffic commissioner is asking for feedback from operators, drivers and lawyers on his plans to overhaul the guidance on the conduct of professional drivers.
The consultation looks at STC Richard Turfitt’s existing statutory document for vocational licence holders and proposes a host of changes. These include the starting points for taking action against drivers, cases involving armed service personnel, driver disqualification and abusive behaviour and intimidation of officials.
The purpose of the driver conduct process is to ensure HGV drivers are fit to drive commercial vehicles. TCs can take action against these drivers for failing to meet the relevant standards.
The statutory document helps traffic commissioners to be consistent in their decision-making and contains information for drivers and those who employ them. Many of the amendments recognise changes in the law and decisions made on appeal.
The consultation seeks to gather formal responses from the industry, stakeholders and other interested parties on the specific changes made to Statutory Document No.6 entitled Vocational Driver Conduct.
STC Turfitt, said: “Our aim is to provide clear guidance and continue to improve transparency in the way we come to our decisions. Without a framework, we would not be in a position to ensure consistent and fair regulation of the transport industry or to continue to modernise the licensing regime. I encourage professional drivers and their employees, as well as our other key stakeholders, to review our proposals and give us feedback on the intended changes.”
The consultation runs until 23 July.
