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Drivers’ hours rules relaxation extended until early next year
Following requests from industry, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps MP has extended the temporary relaxation of the enforcement of the retained EU drivers’ hours regulation in Great Britain until the beginning of next year, owing to continued pressures on local and national supply chains.
Originally due to expire at the end of October, the new extended relaxation runs from 1 November 2021 until 9 January 2022.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has said the extension is necessary owing to the perfect storm arising from the combination of the COVID-19 pandemic, the acute shortage of HGV drivers in Great Britain, “unusual fuel buying patterns” and the seasonal build up in demand leading up to the Christmas period. Supply chains are also exposed to higher levels of risk of disruption at this time of year in the event of unforeseen circumstances, such as adverse weather conditions.
Given their importance as a safety measure, DfT stressed that the temporary relaxation to the rules must only be used where necessary. To help drivers and transport operators decide whether their transport operation would be deemed necessary, DfT has issued guidance on the three conditions which should be met. These are: evidence of detriment to the wider community; evidence that a relaxation would lead to a significant improvement in the situation; and that driver safety will not be compromised.
James Firth, Head of Road Freight Regulation Policy, Logistics UK, said: “Logistics UK does not support this extension of drivers’ hours rules; it is not an appropriate response to the driver shortage. We are pushing government to deliver increased driver tests, training funds and license acquisition changes, which will provide a more sustainable solution to the crisis.”
*www.logistics.org.uk/road
Published On: 04/11/2021 16:00:05
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