The Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) for lorry drivers will be introduced in 2009 and will mean that existing heavy goods vehicle licence holders will need to complete a minimum of 35 hours of periodic training during a five year period, updating skills in the areas of legal compliance, energy conservation, record keeping, road traffic care and driving skills. The Freight Transport Association will be providing a comprehensive programme of support and assistance to enable its members to meet their statutory obligations and to provide the necessary training for drivers.

In respect of the Driver CPC, this year FTA’s Transport Manager seminars will provide guidance on:

What to do and when to do it

Exemptions Responsibilities of drivers and employers Recording of training Good practice for checks on new drivers Dealing with agency drivers Identifying the courses which will give the greatest benefits How to get internal training courses approved Enforcement and penalties

FTA’s 2007 Transport Manager seminars run from September to December at locations throughout the country. Other subjects on the agenda include reducing your carbon footprint, workplace transport safety, the safety and security of loads, delivery access issues, the management of shifts – how to avoid driver fatigue, and engine technology.

Dates and venues for FTA’s Transport Manager 2007 seminars are:

18 September, Maidstone

27 September, Cwmbran

3 October, Warrington

9 October, Birmingham

17 October, Belfast

24 October, Cambridge

31 October, Durham

8 November, Yeovil

14 November, Dunblane

21 November, Sheffield

29 November, Bradford

6 December, Heathrow

Registration is £299 (plus VAT) for the first delegate and £250 (plus VAT) for second and subsequent delegates.