New driving licence changes may cause 'confusion' and 'frustration' for UK drivers
Driving licence changes could be introduced in the near future
PA
Experts have weighed in on the latest Government consultation which could see major changes made to driving licence categories for motorists across England, Scotland and Wales.
The Government recently published the outcome of a consultation from last year which questioned whether potential changes should be made to driving licence flexibility.
This would allow zero emission vehicles to tow an equal amount of weight to their internal combustion engine equivalents.
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All drivers with a Category B licence can drive alternatively-fuelled goods vans with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of 4,250kg, above the standard 3,500kg entitlement.
The current flexibility for AFVs which weigh between 3,500kg and 4,250kg does not allow Category B licence holders who passed their test after January 1, 1997, to tow a trailer.
Gerry Keaney, chief executive of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association, said: “Zero-emission motoring requires a fresh approach. Electric van users have bespoke needs and face too many barriers that are restricting adoption.
“The announcement shows that the Government is listening. These changes will bring greater flexibility and support more van operators in making the switch to greener vehicles sooner.
“The BVRLA remains committed to driving more positive change in this space and has pushed for the MOT regime to consider similar flexibilities for heavier zero-emission vans.
“Our work with partner associations is accelerating to make sure all levels of Government understand the need for renewed focus on the transition to ZEV vans.”
Under the current legislation, someone with a Category B licence must undertake five hours of additional training before being permitted to operate AFVs between 3,500kg and 4,250kg on public roads.
The Government stated that it would remove the training requirement but would continue to work with the DVSA and industry to monitor the progress of the changes.
Paul Hollick, chair of the Association of Fleet Professionals, said some van drivers had cancelled their orders for 4.25-tonne vans because of a lack of clarity.
He added: “We’re big fans of the 4.25-tonne derogation. It makes absolute sense that the adoption of electric vans around the crucial 3.5-tonne mark should be made easier for as many fleets as possible.
“However, what we are seeing is confusion with, to adopt an old cliché, the left arm and the right arm of Government seemingly at odds. This wouldn’t be so bad if the situation hadn’t now been dragging on for several months. It’s incredibly frustrating.
“Fleets are receiving all kinds of conflicting advice – not just from OZEV and the DVSA but manufacturers, dealers, leasing companies and others – with no resolution in sight.”
The AFP has stated that the pace of electric van adoption has been far more difficult to maintain compared to electric cars.
This is generally down to needing the increased payload and range, with the 4.25-tonne licence conundrum causing further hurdles.
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The consultation received 89 responses, from 27 individuals and 62 organisations, with the intention of helping to advise the Government on any policy changes.