Further advice has been given on the relaxation of drivers’ hours rules in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak. This should be considered in conjunction with the extensive existing guidance provided on drivers’ hours.
The drivers’ hours and working time rules are in place to protect road safety and the working conditions of drivers, and to reduce the risk of drivers being involved in fatigue-related accidents. As such, any relaxation of these rules should only be considered where genuinely necessary and when other supply chain management interventions are unable to alleviate issues.
A relaxation has been authorised for drivers under the EU drivers’ hours rules or the GB drivers’ hours rules, and undertaking carriage of goods by road in all sectors, between 23 March – 21 April. Continuation of the relaxation will be subject to review in England, Scotland and Wales.
The GB drivers’ hours rules that can be temporarily relaxed are as follows:
- Replacement of the GB duty time limit of 11 hours with 12 hours
- Replacement of the GB daily driving time limit of 10 hours with 11 hours
Drivers can only take advantage of this temporary relaxation 5 days in any 7 day period, and must take a rest period of 24 hours within the same 7 day period.
This relaxation of drivers’ hours is an exceptional contingency measure. It must be used only where necessary, otherwise normal drivers’ hours should be followed.
Please see below for further information: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-drivers-hours-relaxations/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-drivers-hours-relaxations
Media Contact
Lauren Goodfellow
Head of Marketing and Communications
BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions UK
T: 01179 100 895
Email here
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