Fuel truck drivers to get ERC license from June

Fuel truck drivers will from June be required to have certification from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to operate.

The move is part of the regulator’s bid to boost professionalism in the transport of fuel across the country as well as minimize potential adulteration and theft along the way.

ERC director general Pavel Oimeke said the licensing move will cut down on malpractice and kelp fuel truck drivers accountable for any misconduct.

ERC will begin the licensing of drivers on June 4, with drivers found to be breaching regulations being banned.

“Drivers shall be held accountable if found transporting adulterated petroleum products or parking in unlicensed petroleum storage facilities. Culpable drivers will be banned from transporting petroleum products,” Mr Oimeke said.

To qualify for certification, the drivers must undergo professional training, which includes knowledge on petroleum, defensive driving, and emergency preparedness and response.

The rules make an annual ERC license mandatory after the transporter meets all safety requirements, which include trucks, drivers and emergency preparedness.

As part of the regulatory enhancement, the new rules do not allow loading trucks whose permits are not current, or whose drivers have no valid ERC certificates.

This will also enhance vigilance at depot loading centers creating a self regulation environment to weed out unscrupulous traders.