Posted By Jenni Latham
Our site incorporates a small road which is considered as a public highway, it is often required for forklift truck drivers to use this road when transporting waste containers to our skip area.

We have a new starter that we wish to train as an FLT driver but he doesn't hold a normal driving licence - does anyone know if someone driving an FLT on a road classed as a public highway (and hence under the Road Traffic Act) requires a normal driving licence as well, or it the FLT licence sufficient.

I have asked this question to the HSE who told me they make no such stipulation but that they are only interested in the HASAWA. They asked me to contact the Dept of Transport which I have done but am waiting for a response.

In the meantime - can anyone offer some insight?

Thanks

Posted By Jenni Latham
Thanks AJM for your quick response - can you direct me to any guidance or documents which clarify this?

J Latham

Posted By AJM
I have mailed you direct Jenni

Alan

Posted By George Wedgwood
There is good guidance available at http://www.fork-lift-tru...gislation/roadregs2.html I can't vouch for the latest info but if you search at thios site, I am sure you will get what you want.

and here is a clip;

Use of Fork Lift Trucks on the Public Highway
An overview - The rules at a glance
If a truck is to be used on a public highway then it must have been registered with the DVLA. Information published in May 2003 relating to the registration of fork lifts and transfer of ownership is available at http://www.fork-lift-tru...islation/roadregs2.html.
If you use so called "red diesel" fuel in your fork lift trucks, legislation which came into force on 1st April 2003 applies and for more details please click at http://www.fork-lift-tru...slation/red_diesel.html.
In order to discover what action you need to take you should be aware that the main consideration is whether the truck will travel more than 1000 yards on the public highway.
If, on the task to be performed, the fork lift truck will travel more than 1000 yards then it must comply with Construction and Use Regulations or have type approval. This involves all sorts of legal requirements and probably quite major modifications to the truck and should not be undertaken lightly. Compliance may be quite complex. If you have a truck that fits this category click at http://www.fork-lift-tru...islation/roadregs3.html.
If, on the task being performed, the Fork Lift Truck will travel less than 1000 yards, on public roads, between sites or for unloading vehicles, then there is a special dispensation. In most circumstances it can be driven with little modification but it must be insured and registered. Compliance is quite simple. This will apply to most trucks and if your truck fits into this category click at http://www.fork-lift-tru...islation/roadregs5.html.

Regards, George

Posted By warderic
Yes you do need a driving licence, road fund licence if you travel more than 6 miles per week on a public road and a number plate. Contact The Road Transport Industry Training Board (RTITB) they will have all the info.