Driver hours warning

From 11 April this year, new European rules came into force.

These changed the existing law on drivers’ working hours.

The regulations simplify maximum working times and minimum rest periods for lorry and coach drivers.

They may no longer drive for more than 56 hours a week or 90 hours a fortnight.

And they must have uninterrupted rest of at least 11 hours per day – with rest for at least 45 minutes every 4.5 hours.

Transport businesses need to be aware of the rule changes to avoid risking prosecution.

But, with ‘smart’ changes to work schedules and journey planning, the impact of these laws can be minimised.

These changes to driver hours come hot on the heels of recent rules that new vehicles must be fitted with digital tachographs. These are more accurate and harder to falsify than older, analogue versions.

Key steps to compliance

• Review company systems to ensure compliance.
• Ensure drivers and traffic office staff are trained in digital tachograph technology to keep records in the event of an audit.
• Look at journey planning and work scheduling.

Finally, if a customer’s timescales do not allow compliance with new regulations, it is important to discuss with them how flexible their timescales may be. In many cases a new schedule can be organised that will suit both parties.

Companies should also review their costings: extra staff requirements or equipment may be needed to meet the workload.

Further information

• More information on EU drivers’ hours can be found in the Business Van Manager Law & Tax article The law and EU drivers' hours.