How a Brexit Would Affect Transport Training

Recent discussions that took taking place at the Microlise Transport Conference in Coventry revealed some disagreement among transport operators over whether the UK should step out of the European Union or not. In light of those differences, we thought it might be interesting to consider how a Brexit would affect transport training in the UK. We are not expecting anything drastic regardless of how the vote turns out.

Before we get to the transport training discussion, let us first look at some statistics from the transport conference. According to Commercial Fleet, twice as many transport operators believe a Brexit would negatively impact the haulage industry, yet more of the delegates said they would vote in favour of a Brexit.

Here it is by the numbers:

• 43% of the 1000 delegates believe a Brexit would have a negative impact
• 21% said it would have a positive impact
• 7% said it would have no impact at all
• 29% were undecided about the impact of a Brexit.

In addition, 43.7% of the delegates said they would vote to leave the EU; 40.7% stated that they will vote to stay while 15.6% are still undecided. The numbers are fascinating when you consider the implications of what we are talking about.

Future of Transport Training

Should the UK decided to leave the EU later this month, there would likely be no immediate impact on transport training. First of all, it would take at least some time to formalise exit plans and agreements. Second, there is no pressing need to change current licencing and training regulations simply because we have struck out on our own. With that said, there likely would be a significant impact on transport training long term.

Although it is impossible to predict any long-term details, the simple fact of the matter is that a Brexit would mean the UK is no longer subject to Brussels legislation. Any future rules the EU makes regarding licensing and transport training would have no effect on operations here at home. That could be a good or bad thing, depending on your perspective.

The positive side of a Brexit is the reality that our government has a reputation for working hard to find the right balance between public safety and business interests. Our leaders are less likely to make rash decisions that place unnecessary burdens on haulage industry businesses without producing any tangible results for public safety. In short, our government seems to be a lot more reasonable about licencing and transport training than Brussels.

Regardless of the vote, we have every intention of continuing to offer world-class transport training here at the HGV Training Centre. We provide training for both individual drivers and company teams. If you or your company is in need of HGV for PCV training that is conveniently located and affordably priced, we urge you to contact us at your earliest convenience. We also offer training for forklifts, caravans, horseboxes and trailers, and utility trailers.

Sources:

1. Fleet News UK – http://www.commercialfleet.org/news/latest-news/2016/06/08/transport-conference-speakers-clash-during-eu-exit-vote-debate