from the NFU today
Relaxation of milk tanker drivers’ hours
After heavy lobbying by the NFU the Department for Transport has agreed to a temporary, and limited, emergency relaxation (not suspension) of the enforcement of EU drivers’ hours and working-time rules for drivers of bulk milk tankers. This temporary relaxation of enforcement applies immediately and will run until 23:59 Wednesday 13 January 2010. The rules are now:
- Replacement of the EU daily driving limit of 9 hours with one of 10 hours;
- Reduction of the daily rest requirements from 11 to 9 hours;
- Lifting the weekly (56 hours) and fortnightly driving limit (90 hours);
- Postponing the weekly rest requirement until 23:59 Wednesday 13 January 2010, at which stage a driver has to take a minimum rest of 24 hours (with no compensatory rest required).
The requirement to take a 45 minute break after 4½ hours driving remains and will continue to be rigorously enforced. The practical implementation of the temporary relaxation of enforcement should be through agreement between employers and employees and/or driver representatives. DfT also wished to make clear that driver safety must not be jeopardised. All enquiries, be made to the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency on 0300 1239000 or via email at enquiries@vosa.gov.uk