The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) has criticised the Road Safety Authority (RSA) claiming the CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) as currently structured and administered by the RSA, is failing to deliver meaningful improvements in road safety.

Speaking at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications Hearing on Road Safety on Wednesday 18th February IRHA Vice President Eugen Drennan said the content, materials, and delivery (of the CPC) are outdated and largely irrelevant to the needs of the modern HGV driver. As a result, the training often amounts to little more than a wasted day, despite the significant time and resources required to complete it.

Me Brennan continued: “Our members invest significant time and financial resources in CPC training. However, too often it is perceived as repetitive, box-ticking, and disconnected from real-world operational risks. We are calling for a comprehensive review of CPC content and delivery.”

Mr Drennan said that training should be targeted, evidence-based, and focused on both established and emerging road safety risks. It should make use of modern teaching aids and incorporate references to the driver-assist and safety technologies that HGVs are equipped with, rather than simply filling mandated hours.”

“When professional drivers are required to undertake periodic mandatory training, it must demonstrably improve road safety outcomes in a manner that is modern, relevant, and directly applicable to their daily operations,” Mr Drennan stated.