Cowboy tankers could be driven out

Those putting cowboy fuel tankers on the road will be deterred by a new Petroleum Driver Passport (PDP) covering more than 6,000 fuel tanker drivers across England, Wales and Scotland.

The new system came into force last month.

The passport system, administered by the Downstream Oil Industry Distribution Forum — a partnership of employers, industry bodies and general union Unite — promotes higher health and safety standards. And it will mean that fuel depots and refineries can refuse to load tankers whose drivers do not hold a valid PDP.

Last year, thousands of tanker drivers completed the accredited training to get the passport, which covers the safe delivery of petrol and diesel to forecourts across the country.

The training includes a mixture of theory and practical learning. The passport is renewed every five years and also has an annual refresher requirement.

Unite national officer Tony Devlin said: “Drivers working for cowboy operators often have little or no idea of the equipment they are supposed to use. If the equipment is not properly understood, or the inflammable nature of the product being delivered, then a serious incident or explosion could occur.”

Devlin described the PDP as “a real success for our members” in helping to halt “the race to the bottom and drive up standards in health and safety”. He added that the passport “will ensure professionalism and bring about stability” to the industry.

www.pdpassport.com

www.unitetheunion.org/news/new-tanker-driver-passport-spells-end-of-the-road-for-cowboy-operators