We could argue all day, and not come up with a solution, maybe a solution, but no MP will put it forward. Vosa is conducting a survey about drivers hours, with maybe a chance to reduce them, i signed the petition, a lot of drivers argued that if the hours allowed to work were reduced, it would affect their standard of living, so its a case of driver versus driver. I agree with many on here, especially Rikki, because yes, it will affect the way a lot of companies get their work, if a company is allowing drivers to run bent, its obvious that they can offer work at a lower rate.
Limey Phil is also right, that a driver who wants to park in a safe,quiet environment, will get a good rest, but with the onslaught of the Eastern Europeans, parking is very difficult at the best of times,. with so many trucks on the roads all wanting a decent place to park, The government got its facts wrong when they anticipated how many would be coming here to live and work, Vosa/Defra also never took into account the shortage of parking places for trucks and their drivers, except maybe a Service Area, and not all companies will pay for that ( should be compulsory anyway) but the service areas should supply a quiet environment for which a driver would get a restful nights sleep, away from moving traffic, or those who want to stop for a 45, with the engine still running.
Most of Europe have proper Rest Areas, away from the main carriageways, with the basics, but at least a toilet. I thought a government of ours once promised they would build such over here, we`re still waiting for that one.
As Limey suggested, spend a 45 at Dover, or drive home for a full weekends rest, Yes most would do that, and risk the wrath of the law, we have done it in the past, and would do it again, but its highly unlikely to happen. Whatever arguments arise, someone should be looking at the overall hours situation, the 15 hr day, with only 9 hrs rest to do it all over again, some will argue it will mess up their timings/delivery schedules, but if everyone abides by the rules, it wont make a difference. With the laws as they stand now, its very difficult to make timed deliveries, the amount of traffic hinders this too, but if a company runs bent, they are the ones who will put you out of work, because they and they alone can promise fast track, timed deliveries, regardless of the hours involved, and of course there will always be drivers, prepared to run this way, unless the punishment fits the crime.
Looking at the original post, and remembering the company directors who were jailed recently, for allowing their drivers to run bent, whereby one fell asleep and killed a car load of people, puts it all into perspective.
The whole of the transport industry needs changes, and no one is looking after this industry, except the owners themselves, policing it to their own advantage, until someone does change it, we do not have a voice, we have a transport minister, we have unions, but all without a backbone, and with the transport select commitee, chaired by supermarket bosses, they will get the long hours, and everything to suit them, and general haulage is left to fend for itself.
