Eco-Driving Consultation Paper

Comments from Robin Brown, CEO of System Training

The DfT’s current consultation paper on eco-driving has certainly split opinion, not because of the perceived benefits, but rather due to the fact that eco-driving training could become mandatory for all LGV & PCV drivers.

We all need to change and we all need to embrace fuel-efficient driving techniques for a variety of reasons. The Government has set ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions associated with the road haulage sector and are hoping for a 90% uptake with eco-training amongst drivers.

Logistics and road haulage businesses also need to adopt eco-driving to ensure their drivers become more fuel efficient which in turn will drive down operating costs associated with fuel, accident damage and wear and tear. And I believe the reason why we are seeing many haulage companies struggling in this climate is because they are not as efficient as they could be and are operating at a higher cost base than necessary. Fuel is a major cost and wasted fuel comes straight off the bottom line, saved fuel adds straight to the bottom line, its as simple as that..

But should it be made mandatory? I think it should, but we need to think about how that’s achieved.

Driver training is already compulsory. We have the legislation in place and the introduction of the Driver CPC regulations in September 2009 has removed any objection a company may have had to train and develop its drivers. 

Now training is compulsory, managers need to work out how they can get a return on their substantial training investment. The simple answer is increased profits through an intelligent application of training that is targeted to reduce operating costs.

That’s what System Training is all about, we aren’t just a training provider – we help integrate mandatory training into business activities to increase profit – and that’s what makes us different.

Every company and its workforce is different. People learn at different rates and need varying amounts of support and the application of mandatory training must take that into account.

Prescriptive training with a set training course is not the answer as each individual business will require a bespoke solution. I believe that everyone should be made to undergo eco-training but there needs to be a sensible level of flexibility where employers have a degree of control to shape the training to suit their business. Some drivers may require SAFED style eco-training for two years in a row, some may just need it once and then be followed by a different type of training intervention. The Government must take this into account.

There also needs to be support from different levels of the workforce. I’ve seen the same thing occur on many occasions where initial fuel savings will start to drop off after a few months and eventually return to similar levels that were being recorded before training interventions took place.

Many of our clients use a ‘train-the-trainer’ model where we up-skill their own in-house Driver Training Instructors (DTIs) who then train the drivers. This ensures greater compliance from drivers as enhanced levels of support can be provided by the DTIs who are flexible and understand the operation better than an outside provider ever could. They can also become competent driving assessors who recognise quality driving principles and help highlight those drivers who may need further training.

Our ethos is to also educate managers and supervisors who control and interact with the drivers. They can support or destroy a training programme through lack of understanding. This innovative training of all stakeholders at different levels ensures driver behavioral change is embedded for long term benefits.

One of our clients has recently saved over £2.2 million in the last year by taking a structured approach and ensuring effective and efficient training and support mechanisms are in place.

All companies should embrace Eco-Driving, whether it’s to reduce their fuel costs or help contribute to sustainable solutions for future road transport operations. We shouldn’t be afraid of change in our industry but we need to manage the implementation and application of the change to ensure it’s a success for all.