As part of the government’s effort to keep supply chains moving throughout the coronavirus outbreak, the Department for Transport has authorised an extension to the existing relaxation of the drivers’ hours rules.

The extension means that the temporary relaxation previously due to end on 21 April, will continue until the end of 31 May 2020. This extension does not apply to the previous relaxation on break requirements.

Driver safety remains a priority for the government and drivers should not be expected to drive whilst tired.

Employers remain responsible for the health and safety of their employees and other road users.

Please ensure you refer to the link below, or speak to your local traffic commissioner to keep up-to-date with any changes which may affect your fleet.

https://www.gov.uk/search/guidance-and-regulation?parent=%2Ftransport%2Fprofessional-driving-of-lorries-buses-and-coaches&topic=b4e41212-77b8-44ba-8fb5-6aa479b20d36&order=updated-newest

We recommend if you have mothballed vehicles due to the current situation, you continue to carry out some routine checks where possible.

We’re anticipating a high volume of calls once operations resume again, therefore we will be increasing resource in the defect reporting call centre.

We’re liaising with our service partners to ensure they are also planning for the peak and can support accordingly.

Please carry out the advised regular checks below, as this will assist us with a smoother return to operation following the lockdown being lifted:

• Start and run the vehicles frequently to keep the battery charged and engine components free from defects.
• Move the vehicle around if possible and operate the brakes to keep them free from seizing.
• Check and operate items as you would during a normal daily check, tyres, lights, wipers, fans, cranes and tail lifts. Please see below the DVSA guidance:

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