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Delsol tackle EU directive ahead of deadline

Chester and North Wales-based transport business Delsol have completed a rigorous training programme to bring over 20 of their drivers up to new EU safety standards.

The firm, which specialises in pallet delivery, put 22 Delsol drivers through training to secure the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence, over a year ahead of the deadline.

The qualification means Delsol’s drivers are trained in health and safety, manual handling, safe loading, and safe, economic driving along urban and rural terrain.

New rules have been introduced under an EU directive in a bid to improve road safety across Europe, and will come into effect in September 2014.

Delsol directors Tony Parry and Simon Walker said investment in staff training is part of the firm’s ethos of upholding high safety standards and providing staff with road safety understanding.

Mr Parry said: “This new EU Directive is set to have a major impact on UK transport firms and will catch out any unprepared or lax businesses. We are delighted to be a step ahead of the curve for the benefit of the company and our customers.

“The courses were run by Jaupt registered Expert Driver Training based in Deeside, near to our Sandycroft office.

“The cost was jointly shared between Delsol and our drivers. The speed in which we have carried out this training demonstrates the importance we place on road safety and driving greater efficiency throughout the company.”

Attention was given to driver’s hours, working time directive and tachographs, which record driving time, speed and distances.

Delsol is a high-growth company, and has seen an 11% turnover rise in the last year to £6m, which is its highest over revenue return.

Mr Parry added: “Delsol has seen terrific growth in the last 18 months. In that time we have invested more than £350,000 in new vehicles to build a bigger and better fleet of sprinter vans, HGVs and bikes.

“We also take great pride in our staff. This latest training initiative is testament to that.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .