Keep novice drivers out of truck cabs, says IAM
Government plans that could see novice drivers being allowed to drive lorries have been condemned by IAM RoadSmart. A recent government consultation suggested that drivers who possess a category B car licence should be instantly entitled to a category C1 licence, which allows motorists to drive vehicles weighing up to 7.5 tonnes.
This would mean that a driver as young as 18 years-old, who has just passed their practical driving test, could be allowed to drive large trucks without any further training.
The new plans come as policymakers try to lighten the load for examiners, and get more lorry drivers out on the roads amid ongoing supply chain issues.
According to the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) Labour Force Survey, the UK’s large goods vehicle (LGV) driver shortage remains chronic, with the number of LGV drivers in employment estimated to have fallen by 30,300 in the first quarter of 2022.
This represents an 11% decrease from the 268,000 LGV drivers who were employed in June 2021.
But IAM RoadSmart has warned strongly against the proposal, asserting that lorries pose a larger risk to other road users if proper training is not provided. It points to research from PACTS, which shows that LGVs pose nine times as much risk of death to other road users, compared to cars.
Neil Greig, director of policy and research at IAM RoadSmart, said: “Research has revealed that larger vehicles pose a higher risk to other road users, so it is critical that those who drive them possess the necessary skills and training to drive them safely. “
