RHA concerned by extent of drivers’ hours relaxation

The Association welcomes a degree of relaxation of enforcement under the current circumstances but the announcement form the Department for Transport goes too far. It will be welcomed by neither responsible haulage companies nor their drivers.

It also agrees with the department’s statement that drivers should not drive whilst tired. The extension of the driving day to 11 hours on its own would have been proportionate and welcome. The extension of the driving day plus the curtailment of the daily rest period is ill-judged and likely to lead to the exploitation of hauliers and their drivers and a reduction in road safety.

However, the RHA is concerned by a lack of detail regarding the announcement and seeks a statement of re-assurance that the relaxation will be respected in practice by enforcement across Europe, without which hauliers run the risk of substantial fines. It is also puzzled by the enforceability of the provision regarding vehicles distributing in Kent and by the qualification that the vehicle must have its operating centre in the county.

The Association is astonished by the department’s gratuitous statement that, “as a general rule we expect business to plan for and manage the risks of disruption to supply chains”.

The RHA notes that this initial relaxation of enforcement is for one month, which appears to be an admission of defeat in the face of migrant intimidation. We once again call on the authorities to act decisively now to restore order to the Calais area, so that drivers no longer face intimidation and violence – and the prospect of long driving days and short nights in a desperate attempt to cover for the failings of the authorities.