The relaxation of the rules applies from: 00:01 Sunday 15 December 2024 until 23:59 on Friday 20 December 2024. The situation is being kept under review and the Department for Transport (DfT) has said it reserves the right to withdraw or amend the relaxation if circumstances change.
Scope of the relaxation
The relaxation is for anyone driving under the assimilated drivers’ hours rules whose journey has been delayed at a port due to the closure of the Port of Anglesey. The DfT has said that it should be used when there are significant unanticipated or substantial delays, related to border crossings. As such, it is important to remember that the relaxation should only be used where necessary, otherwise the normal drivers’ hours rules are to be followed.
Details of the relaxation
The assimilated drivers’ hours rules can be temporarily relaxed as follows:
• Postponement of the requirement to start a weekly rest period after six 24-hour periods, to after seven 24-hour periods; although two regular weekly rest periods or a regular and a reduced weekly rest period will still be required within a fortnight;
• Lifting the weekly (56 hours) driving limit; please note that all other rules remain unchanged. For example, the requirement to take a 45-minute break after 4½ hours driving will remain in place and will be rigorously enforced.
Interaction with other relaxations: there are currently no other active relaxations.
Using the relaxation
Driver safety must not be compromised. Drivers should not be expected to drive while tired – employers remain responsible for the health and safety of their employees and other road users. The practical implementation of the temporary relaxation should be through agreement between employers and employees and driver representatives. When driving under the assimilated drivers’ hours rules, drivers must note on the back of their tachograph charts or printouts the reasons why they are exceeding the normally permitted limits.
This is usual practice in emergencies and is essential for enforcement purposes. This temporary relaxation of the rules reflects the exceptional circumstances associated with the disruptions caused by the closure of the Port of Anglesey. As a general rule, the DfT expects businesses to plan for and manage the risks of disruption to supply chains.
Enquiries
All enquiries regarding interpretation of these temporary arrangements should be made to the DfT using the following contact details:
• during office hours (9am to 5pm), email: freight@dft.gov.uk
• out of hours, phone the DfT Duty Office on 020 7944 5999
