Eco-driving Training

Mike Penning Excerpts

Tuesday 12th October 2010 Written Statements

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Mike Penning)]

The Department for Transport has today published its response to the consultation on options to increase the uptake of eco-driving training for drivers of large goods vehicles and passenger carrying vehicles.

Consistent with the Government’s deregulation agenda I have decided not to make eco-driving training a mandatory part of the driver certificate of professional competence at this time.

I will instead respond to industry assurances that they have the will to increase uptake of eco-driving training without direct Government intervention, and will encourage and support industry-led initiatives to improve fuel efficiency and tackle carbon emissions, of which a number have emerged as a result of this consultation.

In 2012 the Department will review the level of uptake of eco-driving training and fuel savings resulting both from these industry-led initiatives and from voluntary uptake as part of the driver CPC and will reconsider the case for Government intervention.

I have placed copies of the consultation response document and associated impact assessment in the Libraries of both Houses.