Irish Professional Driver’s Skill and ECO Driving Championships Awards Ceremony 2022
Irish Professional Driver’s Skill and ECO Driving Championships Awards Ceremony 2022
It was held at the Wynns Hotel in Dublin (6th August). All Professional Driver’s competed in the Irish Professional Driver’s Skill and ECO Driving Championship 2022 were first-time competitors.
Well done to all Professional Drivers who competed in the event, and thank you to the EPDA Irish Professional Drivers Championship Organizing Comment for their hard work to make this event happen.
Thank you to all our sponsors. It goes without saying that without you, it would not have been possible to do to hold the Irish Professional Driver’s Skill and ECO Driving Championship.
The Results
Picture Gallery ECO
Picture Gallery Skill
Awards Ceremony
Irish Professional Driver’s Championships 2022 – Results are out now
Results for the ECO Diving, Skill Test Coach, Skill Test Van, Skill Test 7.5t, Skill Test Rigid, Skill Test Artic
The Results = Picture Gallery ECO = Picture Gallery Skill = Awards Ceremony
Give it a Go – Irish Professional Driver Championship
The Irish Professional Driver Championships take place on the 16th and 17th of July in the Circle K Motorway Service Area in Kilcullen Co. Kildare.
There are two competitions taking place and some drivers will be eligible to partake in both.
The aim of the Championship is to promote the skills of our professional drivers. You will only know how good you really are by competing against your peers.
To Book Your Place Call or WhatsApp 087 429 7021
For more information follow the link https://epda.ie/team-ireland-pro…ing-championship/
Owner Driver fined almost €2,000 for washing HGV during weekend rest
An Owner Driver has been left almost €2,000 out of pocket after police officers in Norway determined his weekend visits to a truck wash were a violation of drivers’ hour rules.
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) becomes mandatory in Europe
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) becomes mandatory in Europe
By 2024, the automatic hand or parking brake on commercial vehicles will be mandatory in Europe. This should greatly reduce the number of accidents with rolling vehicles.
EU standards for safe and secure parking areas for trucks
Notice to Professional Drivers
One initiative has been published or updated on the European Commission’s ‘Have your say’ portal: Safe & Secure Truck Parking Areas
DVSA enforcement sanctions policy – UP-DATE 01/02/2022
DVSA enforcement sanctions policy – UP-DATE 01/02/2022
DVSA is aware of a minority of operators who are deliberately attempting to conceal their number plates from identification.
To help us better protect people from unsafe drivers and vehicles, we changed how we enforce deliberate number plate tampering from 1 February 2022 […]
Changes at the EU border crossing for the professional drivers’ from February 2nd 2022
Changes for the professional drivers’ from February 2nd 2022, the border crossings must be documented on the tachograph.
After crossing the border, the driver must enter the symbol or the country name at the next possible stop at or after the border and not, as was previously the case, manually enter it in the tachograph at the delivery location.
Bus and coach drivers – EU rules on driving and rest times
Bus and coach drivers – EU rules on driving and rest times
The EU rules on driving time, breaks and rest periods apply equally to lorry drivers and bus and coach drivers. However, these rules are not always suitable for passenger transport.
This initiative aims to address the specific needs of bus and coach drivers in organising their working time.
The Commission would like to hear your views.
Volvo Trucks – New unique safety feature for Volvo’s electric trucks
Volvo Trucks launches a new, patented safety feature for electric trucks – Active Grip Control. The new technology significantly improves stability, acceleration and braking in slippery conditions.
Temporary derogation from driving and resting time rules due to driver shortage caused by the COVID-19 Omicron variant
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the Department of Transport have agreed to allow a temporary and urgent derogation in respect of certain provisions of the EU driving and resting time rules.
Coming into effect: The derogation will apply retrospectively from 9th January 2022 up to 30th January 2022 and will be reviewed every week as regards application and scope.
Scania introduces world class versatile hybrid trucks
Scania is introducing Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) trucks that can be fitted with different powertrain and charging options, thus offering solutions that can fulfil various demands for applications such as refrigerated transports, concrete mixers and regional distribution. The truly new electric machine GE281 works in tandem with a Scania seven or nine-litre combustion engine, providing unique opportunities for creating fossil-free transport solutions for heavy trucks with demanding bodywork.
DAF XF / XG / XG + is International Truck of the Year 2022!
The new truck range from DAF Trucks, the XF, the XG and the XG+, is the International Truck of the Year 2022. The prestigious award was presented to Harry Wolters, president of DAF Trucks, at a gala evening at the Solutrans trade fair in Lyon on Wednesday (17th Nov 2021) evening.
There is No Driver Shortage
There is No Shortage of Professional HGV Drivers.
There is an absence of a professional road transport culture and a lack of understanding of what the role of today’s HGV driver is. There is a miss understanding that Haulage Associations represent the interests of professional drivers, their primary focus is on representing the interests of business operators. There is a misunderstanding that Government Road safety Enforcement Agencies only exist to impede business and to collect taxes.
Life on the road with people smugglers, fuel thieves and few toilets
LONDON, Sept 27 (Reuters) – For Tom Reddy, it was the disgusting conditions that convinced him to quit as a British trucker, with few toilets and even fewer showers forcing drivers into desperate solutions at the side of the road.
Austro bus drivers pay a fine of € 23,000 and lost of DCPC in Croatia
The Croatian Ministry of Sea, Transport and Infrastructure has imposed a fine of 172,400 HRK – around € 23,000 – for the VSI infringements, and a two-year ban to acquire a new required professional driver qualification for Truck and Bus
Mercedes-Benz Trucks to usher in a new era: World premiere of the eActros on June 30
On June 30, Mercedes-Benz Trucks will celebrate the world premiere of its battery-powered eActros for heavy-duty distribution. With the presentation of the first series-produced electric truck bearing the star logo, Mercedes-Benz Trucks will usher in a new era and underscore its commitment to locally CO2-neutral road transport.
Dash cams complement – but don’t replace – the human element
Dashcams don’t lie. But dash cams also don’t tell the whole truth.
Eyesight is better than a dashcam, however, eyesight isn’t always translated properly to memory.
Fleet policies, tech needed to fight smartphone ‘addiction’
If you’re behind the wheel and reading this article on your smartphone, put it down. The news can wait.
For the time NO 32 METER LONG TRUCKS in the Netherlands
The Netherlands have stopped their plans for the time being to use 32-meter-long and up to 72-ton trucks for test drives between Rotterdam and Venlo on public roads this year
Volvo Group and Daimler Truck AG launch of new joint venture cellcentric
Gothenburg, Sweden / Stuttgart, Germany – Today, two leaders of the commercial vehicle industry – Daimler Truck AG and Volvo Group – officially outlined their pioneering roadmap for the new fuel-cell joint venture cellcentric […]
Daimler Trucks begins rigorous testing of its fuel-cell truck
Stuttgart – Daimler Trucks is focusing on hydrogen-powered fuel-cells for the electrification of its vehicles for flexible and demanding long-haul transport. It aims to achieve ranges of up to 1,000 kilometres and more without any stops for refuelling.
Germany – Fines Discount For Eastern European Haulier And Their Drivers
Germany – Fines Discount For Eastern European Haulier And Their Drivers
In the case of fines, drivers of Eastern European haulage companies apparently receive large discounts, and the German Driver Associations demand a course of correction.
Eastern European none professional truck drivers receive up to 50 percent discount on fines for excessive driving times or other violations, according to the industry association Camion Pro in Germany. Association head by Andreas Mossyrsch said: “That amounts to a subsidy for white-collar crime companies in Eastern Europe.”
Minister announces Public Consultation on Ireland’s First Ten-Year Strategy for the Haulage Sector
The Department of Transport are opening a public consultation process and would like to hear the views and opinions of industry stakeholders and individuals in the road transport sector. The aim of the consultation process is to assist the Government develop a 10 year strategic plan for the road haulage sector.
Truck driver reveals truth about how professional drivers are treated on Europe’s borders
A driver recounts how drivers are treated on the Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina border during Coronavirus:
The picture he paints is a dreary one: Our driver arrives at the border only to have the keys to his vehicle and documents taken away. It’s announced to him that he’s being sent into a 14-day quarantine. A quarantine that is entirely based on an assumption – he tells us that no tests to check for COVID-19 were carried out at the time.
Gorey Motorway Service Area (Circle K) free COVID-19 antigen test in Ireland
Circle K Gorey facilitate the State who are providing Free mandatory COVID testing for any commercial driver travelling from Ireland to France.
Commercial vehicle drivers travelling from Ireland to France must have evidence of a negative COVID-19 test from 28 January 2021.
Circle K Service area in Gorey are facilitating a State-supported antigen testing facility so hauliers can be tested before they travel.
Professional drivers going to France will need negative Covid-19 test from 28 Jan 2021 (Thursday)
Professional drivers going to France will need negative Covid-19 test from 28 Jan 2021 (Thursday)
This follows a decision by the French government to introduce a mandatory Covid-19 requirement for all hauliers carrying goods on direct ferry routes from Ireland to France.
RSA Update for Driver CPC Training 31 Dec 2020
RSA Update for Driver CPC Training 31 Dec 2020
Although the country is moving to Level 5 the RSA’s position has not changed in relation to the delivery of Driver CPC Training.
DCPC training is deemed to be an essential service, therefore, those drivers wishing to attend for their training are permitted to do so, even if travelling outside their own jurisdiction.
Circle K Park Ri Kells
Circle K opens brand new service station with parking for Trucks and Buses just off the M3, N3 and N52 Park Ri Kells in Kells Meath – A82 E7F3 – Refuel Relax Refresh
Bulgaria to challenge EU mobility package reforms in court
Bulgaria’s government said Wednesday (21 October) it would challenge in court parts of a major EU-wide reform agreed earlier this year aimed at improving road hauliers’ work conditions.
UICR Professional Driver World Champiosnship 2020
Today it’s a pleasant 28 degrees in Zagreb.
If only they didn’t cancel the World Professional Driver Championships, Team Ireland would be making their final adjustments to their world title challenge.
Storm Francis Warning
Rescue/Emergency Lane is also MANDATORY in Belgium
Until now, there was no law in Belgium that road users must make room for ambulances in the event of traffic jams on multi-lane roads. This is will change from October.
EU Amend Driver Rest Rules & Conditions
Parliament backs revised rules to improve drivers’ working conditions, an end to social dumping and stop unfair competition in the road transport sector.
EU Press Conference Announces New Rules to Protect Drivers and Road Transport Business
Turn Assist System for All Trucks
Turn Assist System for All Trucks – Continental Makes Roads Safer for Pedestrians and Cyclists
UK – HGV Road User Levy suspended to help hauliers during pandemic
The Treasury has suspended the HGV Road User Levy for a year to help hauliers recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The 12-month suspension,
UK, how driving in flip flops could land you a £5,000 fine, NINE penalty points
While driving in flip flops isn’t illegal in itself, wearing them could lead to a careless driving charge if they impede your ability to drive safely.
Common rulebook on automated driving gets go-ahead
More than 50 countries, including Japan, South Korea and the EU member states, have agreed on common regulations for vehicles that can take over some driving functions, including having a mandatory black box, the UN announced Thursday, June 25th 2020
Automobile assembly and production plants in Europe
298 automobile assembly and engine production plants operate in Europe today, according to freshly-updated data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA). Cars, vans, trucks, buses and engines are manufactured at these factories, 196 of which are situated within the European Union (EU27).
Health and Safety at Garda Checkpoints – COVID-19
An Garda Síochána wish to thank the professional drivers on their continued co-operation and support during the COVID-19 crisis. However, there is a safety concern over the movement of these essential goods across the country as the Government restrictions continue.
Professional Drivers fall victim to COVID-19
Professional Drivers fall victim to COVID-19
UICR (Union Internationale des Chauffeurs Routiers) had to postpone the Professional Driver World Championship 2020 by 12 months due to the COVID-19
Amendments to Drivers Rest Periods Agreed
04/08/2020 (Reuters) – European Union countries adopted new rules for truck drivers’
In for the Long Haul
04/08/2020 Circle K Demonstrate their commitment and recognition of the work of the country’s professional HGV drivers.
All NDLS centres are currently closed
04/06/2020
All National Driver Licence Service centres in the Republic of Ireland are currently closed.
Please see latest on closures and extension of validity of licences.
UK Driver CPC Changes
Coronavirus (COVID-19) update: changes to professional driver requirements in the UK.
Circle K Professional Driver Services
Circle K have provided a list of their company owned service stations which are providing 24/7 cover for professional drivers.
Update on the acceptance of double-manning in the European Union – Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The European Union Update on the acceptance of double-manning in the EU – Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Specific rules are applied in France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal where a social distance of 1 meter must be respected.
Important notice on Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) During Covid-19 Out break
Due to the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 crisis, professional bus and truck drivers may encounter some difficulty in undertaking their annual CPC training at the current time.
Drivers can help to stop the spread of viruses with this simple technique
You can help to stop the spread of the covid-19 virus by washing your hands properly.
Coronavirus: Commission presents practical guidance to ensure continuous flow of goods across EU via green lanes
Today, the Commission issued new practical advice on how to implement its Guidelines for border management, in order to keep freight moving across the EU during the current pandemic.
Updated situation in France – Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – an updated situation in France
The French Government has issued a map to inform truck drivers on the service stations which are open and which offer essential services (such as sanitary facilities and take away restaurants). This map also gives information on which vehicle technical centres are open.
Source: AFTRI
EU Green Lanes – EU Internal Border Crossing
EU 15-minute fast track lanes for trucks at borders
To unblock Europe’s main arteries, the EU Commission created EU Green Lanes (fast lanes) for commercial vehicles carrying all types of goods and passengers.
Supporting Professional Drivers
Is it time to call the for support for the recognition of the role of the professional driver. Are professional drivers the invisible front line workers.
COVID-19: Drivers in the road transport industry need concrete action from the EU
In view of the ongoing crisis and its effect on drivers in the road transport industry, and the lack of response to their dire situation in the communication of yesterday’s Council of Transport Ministers meeting, the ETF has addressed a statement to the Commissioner for Transport, Adina-Ioana Vălean in which the ETF urges the European Commission and the Member States to adopt an emergency action plan for truck drivers before our drivers fall subject to a humanitarian and health crisis in Europe.
Caffeine May Cause Sleepiness In Truck Drivers
Truck drivers are vulnerable to driver sleepiness due to pressures of shift work and prolonged driving hours; this is a safety concern as sleepiness more than doubles crash risk. Excessive intake of caffeine can cause sleep disruption leading to driver fatigue.
Department of Transport Letter of Temporary Derogation on Drivers Hours
The temporary relaxation of EU driving and resting time rules due to COVID-19. An official letter from the department of transport.
Relaxation of Drivers Hours
Drivers Hours regulations have been temporally relaxed in a number of EU States.
Current Relaxation Periods as of the 18th March 2020
Ireland 18th March to 16th April 2020
Bulgaria 19th March to 13th April 2020
Romania 18th March to 16th April 2020
Sweden 16th March to 14th April 2020
Denmark 13th March to 22nd March 2020
Drivers Beware of CBD Oils
CBD oils can have traces of psychoactive THC, which may cause a driver to test positive for drugs at a roadside check. Professional drivers need to understand the consequences of taking any form of dietary supplement.
Covid-19 Commission Guidelines
EU Commission Guidelines on Covid-19 of interest to Professional drivers
Professional Drivers…. Your Country Needs You
Professional Drivers must take care of their health. At this particular time, all countries need to have trucks supplying essential supplies to hospitals, supermarkets and factories.
UICR Meeting Switzerland
The UICR are an active body working to support the role of the professional driver. At a recent meeting in Switzerland they confirmed the support of the Professional drivers Register.
World Professional Championships Croatia 2020
EPDA Driver Register
Driver Register Gets Green Light at UICR Strategic Meeting in Switzerland.
The Mobility Package is Not yet Adopted or Agreed
The Ministers of Transport of the 28 Member States (the “Council of Ministers”) and the European Parliament have each reached their own positions on changes to the mobility package. In December 2019 they will get together again to start negotiating the final deal.