Limitations on driving
hours to be relaxed to allow important movements of animals
DEPARTMENT FOR
TRANSPORT News Release (132) issued by The Government News Network
on 3 October 2007
EU drivers'
hours rules will be relaxed in areas outside the Foot and Mouth
disease (FMD) Risk Area to allow important movements of animals,
Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly announced today.
This relaxation, which will apply across Great Britain, will be
introduced when movements to livestock markets are permitted in
the FMD Low Risk Area, subject to no changes in the current
disease situation (from 4 October). It will increase the driving
hours available by one third over a fortnight.
Ruth Kelly said:
"This is an important time for farmers and livestock owners.
Therefore, after careful consideration, when movements to
livestock markets are permitted in low risk areas we will be
relaxing the rules governing drivers' hours. This will help
minimise the impact of foot and mouth on the rural economy, as
well as protect animal welfare.
"Tiredness is an important road safety issue and rules
ensuring hauliers take proper breaks and work sensible hours
protect all road users. Therefore this is not a decision that has
been taken lightly and it will be carefully monitored."
The changes, which will be in place for one month, will apply
only to drivers who are wholly or mainly engaged in transporting
cattle, pigs and sheep (including lambs) in connection with
meeting the exceptional circumstances arising as a consequence of
the foot and mouth outbreak.
They are:
* A daily driving limit of 10 hours (instead of the current 9 hours)
* A weekly rest period of 24 hours (instead of the current 45 hours);
* No weekly or fortnightly driving time limits (currently 56 and
90 hours).
Drivers are also subject to the provisions of the Road Transport
(Working Time) Regulations 2005 which impose limits on total
working time (i.e. the period when a driver is at work rather than
just driving). These Regulations impose a maximum weekly limit of
60 hours. To allow drivers to use the full amount of additional
driving time proposed we also intend that the weekly working time
limit is raised by 10% from 60 to 66 hours (the maximum
permissible under EU legislation).
Notes to Editors
1. There would be no change to the requirements for daily rest
and breaks.
2. The need for any extension beyond this period will be
considered in the light of the evidence at the time. We will be
notifying the European Commission of the relaxation as we are
required to do. The European Commission's approval will be
required for an extension beyond 30 days.
3. For information on the Foot and Mouth disease Risk Area and
Low Risk Area, visit http://www.defra.gov.uk
Public Enquiries: 020 7944 8300
Department for Transport
Website: http://www.dft.gov.uk