O'Donovan Waste Disposal opts for LoCity Driving course to reduce emissions

O’Donovan Waste Disposal is to put its 90-strong driver workforce through a LoCity Driving training scheme designed to reduce the environmental impact of commercial vehicles.

The DVSA-approved course focuses on reducing the emissions of vans and HGVs through the use of pre-journey planning and vehicle checks, fuel-efficient driving, and alternative fuels.

It has been developed by LoCity, Fors and TfL and can contribute towards a driver's mandatory 35 hours of periodic training required for their Driver CPC.

Two LoCity e-learning modules are also available to help drivers and transport managers:

• ‘Time to clean up’ provides drivers with more information about fuel-efficient driving techniques and other strategies to help reduce costs and emissions.
• ‘Time to look ahead’ is aimed at transport managers who can learn about the benefits and drawbacks of a range of alternatively-fuelled vehicles.

O’Donovan Waste Disposal will deliver the training in-house through a workshop at its Tottenham-based HQ run by MD Jacqueline O’Donovan (pictured below at last year's Freight in the City Expo), who is herself a certified trainer.

“O’Donovan prides itself on setting industry benchmarks with regards to its training and compliance," she said, “and as such this course not only benefits the O’Donovan drivers, but will also reduce the impact of our commercial vehicles on the environment by sharing techniques and best practice with the drivers attending.”

LoCity freight and fleet programme manager Fergus Worthy added: “LoCity Driving is a cost-effective training solution for van and HGV drivers. I’m delighted that O’Donovan has chosen to implement LoCity Driving to help reduce fuel use and emissions.”

• O'Donovan Waste Disposal is involved in a number of London-based trials to reduce the environmental impact and improve the safety of HGVs in the local area, including a new sheeting system to give drivers a clearer view along the side of the vehicle as well as a noise-dampening skip chain.