Drivers hit for f38 card DRIVERS ARE to be charged
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£38 for the smart card needed to use new digital tachographs despite union demands that it should be free.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) says the fee is necessary to help recoup the cost of developing the system.
ButBobMonksgeneral-secretary of the United Road Transport Union, warns that it will significantly add to the financial burden of becoming a driver: "Given that there's a massive shortage of drivers the government should do everything it can to encourage people into the industry but this is going to add to the costs of entry."
Monks points out that the cost of HGV driver training can already exceed £1,000 and new recruits must also pay for a medical: "It is another financial burden that a driver is going to have to take on. We say that's not right."
Earlier this month an URTU motion that the Scottish Executive should pay the fee was approved by the Scottish TUC. Another motion that employers should be encouraged to pay the fee also won backing but Monks accepts this is unlikely because the card will belong to the driver.
Company smart cards, which allow access to digital tacho records, will also cost £38 — hut cards for fitters, which will enable them to drive to and from MoT test stations, will be free. Replacement cards will cost £19.