DVSA is to consider “practical ways” in which Driver CPC (DCPC) enforcement can be undertaken electronically at the roadside after a consultation response to its initial proposal was positive.
At present, compliance is demonstrated by the production of a Driver Qualification Card (DQC). As part of a wider consultation around amendments to DCPC regulations, DVSA asked whether it should explore the option of instead undertaking checks via an electronic record.
Of 125 responses to that question, 83 agreed with the proposal. DVSA’s response to the consultation expands on that by saying that while “a number” of the larger organisations that responded were in favour of the change to Driver CPC enforcement, they want to see undisclosed safeguards put in place.
The Freight Transport Association (FTA) noted that the requirement to carry a DQC predates the significant use of electronic records available to DVSA staff at the roadside. However, FTA added that there would be a need to retain a requirement to prove compliance for non-UK drivers.
The Association of Local Bus Managers (ALBUM) responded to the question by saying that it considers it “perverse” that a driver must carry and be able to produce a DQC – but not their driving licence – at the roadside. ALBUM supports a consistent approach where both are checked electronically.
The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) and the Community Transport Association (CTA) were among other respondents to the wider consultation.
A further proposal was to drop the ‘for personal use’ stipulation that is part of the non-commercial exemption to DCPC requirements. DVSA will implement that change after it was backed by 126 of 174 respondents. It was opposed by CPT.
CTA supported the change. It believes that the ‘for personal use’ phrase should not have been used in the past to determine whether an exemption applies. It also believes that any investigation into or enforcement activity against drivers who may have been in breach of the requirement should be suspended.
