FTA Ireland (FTAI), the organisation which represents the interests of logistics businesses responsible for moving goods across the country and overseas, has been approved as an HGV Eco Driving Training Provider. The announcement follows a rigorous assessment by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) against standards set by the Department of Transport, which saw FTAI’s training materials and programme delivery assessed thoroughly to ensure efficient delivery of the programme.
“Having advocated for this programme as part of our submission to Ireland’s first national strategy, we are thrilled that the association has been recognised as leading the way in safe and environmentally effective driver training,” says Aidan Flynn, FTAI’s Chief Executive. “For fleet operators, the training programme offers so many benefits, from improved road safety and reduced maintenance costs, but most important are the environmental benefits it will bring to operators and their customers.
“Eco driving is the smart way to save fuel, reduce harmful emissions, increase safety, reduce wear and tear on the vehicle and save money without sacrificing service quality. Evidence shows that participation on an Eco Driver training course can reduce annual HGV emissions by up to 10 tonnes of CO2 and reduce the number of litres of fuel used per vehicle per year by just under 4,000 litres, saving operators over €5,000 per vehicle annually. And with operators working to some of the narrowest margins of any business in the economy, this will ensure our sector can continue to be competitive while delivering for the Irish economy.”
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Seán Canney TD says: “I am delighted to welcome the Freight Transport Association Ireland as the first organisation to be approved as an HGV Eco Driving Training Provider. FTA Ireland continue to be an important partner in the Government’s efforts towards decarbonisation of the road freight sector. Eco driving is a key transitional step in reducing emissions from our existing HGV fleet, and I would encourage all training providers to meet the conditions of standard and seek approval.”
FTA Ireland’s Eco Driver Master Trainer Paul Maguire is keen for operators to appreciate the benefit that the new training programme can provide for operators and their workforce:
“This initiative not only helps in saving fuel and reducing maintenance costs but also enhances driver safety and reduces the likelihood of accidents. Perhaps most importantly, it supports your organisation in meeting the government’s 2030 carbon footprint reduction targets.
“Eco driving is not about driving slower; in fact, drivers often complete their routes more quickly. It focuses on enhancing the driver’s current skillset whilst driving mindfully, ensuring that drivers are fully aware of the dynamic traffic environment around them and can react appropriately.”
As Flynn concludes, having a state-approved Eco Training programme will provide operators with the support and reassurance they need as the country transitions to a net zero future: “While the industry’s ultimate aim is to transition smoothly to zero emissions via alternative fuels and new vehicles, this new programme will enable operators to take the first step in changing behaviours, while reducing costs and increasing operational efficiencies. Which business can afford to forgo those benefits?”
To find out more about the Eco Driving Training programme from FTA Ireland, please visit: https://ftai.ie/eco-driver-training/
