Relaxation of food delivery drivers' hours welcomed

Date: 29/12/2010

Stores over the festive period were given a helping hand as the government temporarily relaxed the hours of EU drivers and working-time rules for hauliers directly responsible for the delivery of food to UK distribution centres and shops.

The limited emergency change lasted from December 24th to 27th and although the normal rules are now back in effect, one group has revealed that the temporary relaxation was a welcome one.

According to the Road Haulage Association, it had been urging the government's Department for Transport (DfT) to slacken the regulations, following evidence it received from its members.

Director of Policy Jack Semple said: "The DfT's relaxation is an appropriate and proportionate response that will assist hauliers affected by the severe weather to ensure supplies in a responsible manner."

Over the period in question, food distribution drivers working in the UK were able to take advantage of a daily driving limit of ten hours, rather than the usual nine, while their rest requirements each day were reduced from 11 to nine hours.

However, the rule of taking a 45-minute break following every 4.5 hours of driving continued to be enforced.

Posted by Mary Treen