The government’s relaxation of the rules, earlier this month, for how long lorry drivers can work as a temporary fix for a severe shortage of heavy goods vehicle (HGV) operators, is compromising safety standards and is not the solution to the hauliers shortage, the British Safety Council believes.
The Department for Transport (DfT) introduced a temporary relaxation of the enforcement of the retained EU drivers’ hours rules in England, Scotland and Wales in response to supply chain pressures.
Transport Minister Baroness Vere announced via Twitter that: “We’re temporarily extending drivers’ hours rules from Monday 12 July (until midnight on 8 August) to allow HGV drivers to make slightly longer journeys where necessary, as we’re aware of a current shortage of drivers. Driver safety must not be compromised and operators must notify DfT if this relaxation is used.”
The relaxation will allow a daily driving limit from nine hours to 10 hours, with one of 11 hours (allowed up to twice in one week).
The temporary change is adding more pressure on drivers, who are already exhausted and is unreasonably jeopardising road safety. Over-tired drivers coming home from long shifts pose a real hazard to themselves and other road users.
The British Safety Council believes the UK must maintain the highest standards of health and safety. The government must not water these down when it feels it expedient.
Mike Robinson, chief executive of the British Safety Council, said: “Driver safety must not be compromised. It is appalling that the government has ignored the views of the logistics industry, which has collectively condemned this measure on safety grounds. We are adding our voice to this backlash and requesting the immediate withdrawal of the relaxation.
“We believe it is a fundamental right for a worker to go home safe and healthy at the end of a working day. The government must not be complacent about the safety of workers.”
>> Read more about the British Safety Council’s concerns here.
