The Government has introduced a temporary relaxation of rules on how long truck drivers can work for to tackle a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) driver shortage.
The changes allow drivers to be behind the wheel for an extra hour a day – from nine to ten hours. It will also allow drivers to undertake two eleven-hour shifts per week.
The Department for Transport (DfT) says the temporary relaxation of the rules reflects the “exceptional circumstances” stemming from a shortage of HGV drivers causing “acute supply chain pressures.”
Despite the increase in hours the DfT stresses the importance of driver safety, saying in a statement: “Driver safety must not be compromised. Drivers should not be expected to drive while tired – employers remain responsible for the health and safety of their employees and other road users.”
Commenting on the relaxation, Road Haulage Association Chief Executive, Richard Burnett said: “We oppose wholesale extensions to drivers’ hours as we believe they can be counter-productive by making the job less attractive. Loading more hours on to drivers that are already exhausted is not the answer – the problem needs more than just a sticking plaster.
“Ministers should be mindful that road safety is the reason HGV drivers’ hours are limited. Relaxing them should only be used as a last resort to resolve short-term issues that cannot be addressed in other ways.”
The temporary relaxation runs until one minute before midnight on 8 August 2021.
Further information is available on the Government website.
