An industry initiative backed by government, the Scheme is designed to ensure that all tanker drivers in the UK are trained and assessed to a consistent standard in loading, transporting and offloading petroleum fuel products from road tankers.
The PDP Scheme was developed by the Downstream Fuel Distribution Forum (DFDF), a partnership of employers, industry bodies and trade unions, and it is managed by Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) in conjunction with the PDP Management Group.
Ten years on from its introduction, the Scheme has gone from strength to strength. Currently, over 11,000 tanker drivers in the UK hold a PDP card demonstrating to terminal operators, hauliers, customers and the wider public that they have been trained to the same consistently high and externally verified standard in all aspects of tanker driving from pre-vehicle checks to loading, driving and discharging.
An important achievement
Peter Oakford, Chair of the Downstream Fuel Distribution Forum, said: “We are delighted to be marking the 10th anniversary of the PDP Scheme this year. Since the beginning, our core focus has been centred around the promotion of high levels of safety and competency across the fuel distribution sector, and this is still very much our ethos today. This significant milestone is also testament to the continued commitment and dedication of all DFDF members. I would therefore like to say a huge thank you to everyone who worked towards this important achievement.”
“Over the next ten years, the DFDF looks forward to continuing to work collaboratively on issues relating to health and safety and training in the downstream fuel distribution sector, while also reaching out to other areas of growth within its network.”
Evolving with the sector
Jenny Clucas, Facilitator of the Downstream Fuel Distribution Forum, commented: “Marking this milestone provides an important opportunity to recognise the growth of the scheme and positive achievements over the last ten years, while also strengthening and extending multi-stakeholder dialogue and co-operation as the sector continues to evolve.
“To celebrate ten years of the PDP Scheme, the DFDF will make available a number of resources for those wishing to join our digital celebration throughout 2024.”
Gary Stewart, Head of Contract Operations at SQA, said: “For a decade now, we have been working with the DFDF to promote the benefits of the PD Passport and encourage drivers and employers to adopt nationally recognised safety standards. To date, we have awarded over 11,000 PDP card holders who demonstrate every day that they meet and exceed these rigorous safety standards.
“We look forward to continuing our work with DFDF and contributing to the ongoing success of the PD Passport scheme.”
For more information about the Petroleum Driver Passport Scheme, click here.
