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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The Department for Transport (DfT) says the temporary relaxation of the rules reflects the \u201cexceptional circumstances\u201d stemming from a shortage of HGV drivers causing \u201cacute supply chain pressures.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite the increase in hours the DfT stresses the importance of driver safety, saying in a statement: \u201cDriver safety must not be compromised. Drivers should not be expected to drive while tired \u2013 employers remain responsible for the health and safety of their employees and other road users.\u201d<\/p>\n
Commenting on the relaxation, Road Haulage Association Chief Executive, Richard Burnett said: \u201cWe oppose wholesale extensions to drivers\u2019 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 \u2013 the problem needs more than just a sticking plaster.<\/p>\n
\u201cMinisters should be mindful that road safety is the reason HGV drivers\u2019 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
The temporary relaxation runs until one minute before midnight on 8 August 2021.<\/p>\n