MUTA, the trade association for the marquee and temporary structure industry, has called on the Government to lift red tape on marquee hire companies who could be forced to provide training for their employees who drive kit to and from worksites.   

In a Government consultation, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) suggested reforming the system of exemptions that would see small businesses made to train staff for the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC).

Currently, Driver CPC is a requirement for drivers of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and involves doing 35 hours of training over five years. There is currently an exemption for employees who drive HGVs but not as the main part of their job.

“For many of our members, their vehicle drivers will spend most of their work erecting marquees with the rest of the crew,” said president of MUTA, Tony Marsh. 

“They already undertake separate training to ensure safe working practices in marquee erection. If all employees of a small company who drive an HGV were required to undertake Driver CPC, the cost of this would be disproportionately expensive and could severely impede the company’s economic viability.”

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Posted on: 07/11/13