The government has announced plans to scrap a law that would have forced HGV and bus mechanics to take professional driver training.

Logistics companies must ensure all their drivers have achieved Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) accreditation before the final deadline of 2014. The new system has been introduced in order to bring the UK in line with a European directive and those that fail to comply will face hefty sanctions.

Originally, around 76,000 of the nation's mechanics were also covered by the regulations, despite the fact they only drive the vehicles for a short distance once they have been repaired.

It was feared that maintenance crews would have passed on the training costs to haulage businesses, but the Department for Transport has now stepped in. 

Roads minister Stephen Hammond said that by making mechanics exempt from the law, companies would save £29 million.

"Making the training compulsory for those who only drive HGVs over short distances is costly and time-consuming," he commented.

"That is why we are making these exemptions which will reduce costs and administration for businesses."