PVOA still pressing for more concessions
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• The removal of the restriction on p.s.v. drivers working on double-manned vehicles, the need for modifications to Section 96 of the Transport Act 1968 to allow 10 hours driving duty a day in all circumstances, and the replacement of the phrase "six-day tour" by the phrase "extended tour", are among concessions still sought by the Passenger Vehicle Operators' Association in respect of the new drivers' hours regulations.
The Association wrote to the Ministry of Transport on Monday in reply to the request for comments on the draft of The Drivers' Hours (Passenger Vehicles) (Modifications) Order 1970 (CM last week).
The PVOA admits that four questions are still being considered by the Minister, namely the 16-hour spreadover on double-manned vehicles; provision for a driver to return to his depot after completion of his day's driving; the 10-hour daily rest with a 14-hour working day; and the extension of the 8+-hour daily rest to drivers of express carriages. However, the Association is concerned at the lack of time for proper consultation as the new Order must pass through both Houses to become law by March I.
The PVOA wants the inclusion of the Minister's original proposal for doublemanned vehicles, to the effect that hours of duty in excess of the weekly maximum will not count provided they are spent as a passenger on the vehicle and the man obtains rest and refreshment; and the exemption providing for a 16-hour working day extended to double manned vehicles. It is illogical, claims the Association, that a solo_driver is permitted a 16-hour day while drivers on double-manned vehicles ire not.
If these points are not agreed, then it is only right that the restriction of a 12-hour rest, following duty on a double-manned vehicle, should be withdrawn, argues the PVOA.
It also maintains that, if additional rest is taken during the day, a 14-hour spreadover should be allowed with a 10-hour daily rest period. The proposal provides for 16 hours rest in a 24-hour period, compared with 15 hours in 25 hours under the Act, and will allow a working cycle of 24 hours to be maintained in certain important cases.
With respect to the straight-through duty of 8+ hours the Association has pointed out that the stipulated rest period should be 45 or 40 minutes in aggregate and not in a single period. It asks that the phrase "extended tour" be used as a "six-day tour" would be too restrictive, limiting the exemption concerning the aggregation of rest days to tours of exactly six days' duration.
The Minister's proposal to allow three 84--hour daily rest periods for stage carriage drivers has been modified but is not really a concession. the PVOA states, as it restricts drivers to stage carriage work for six days of the week in order to qualify for the exemption.
With regard to double-manned vehicles, the refusal of a 16-hour spreadover for the drivers concerned will seriously affect many companies, endangering their business. The PVOA is endeavouring to produce actual schedules to demonstrate the point to the Minister.
If modifications are not made to Section 96 of the Act, as suggested by the Association, then, even though in respect of a 16-hour maximum spreadover, a full 10 hours driving is permitted. Without amendments a man working, say, 13 or 13+ hours in the day would be limited to 9 or 9+ hours driving for no apparent reason.