Exel warns tanker drivers on hours
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by Derren Hayes • Exel Logistics, which is running the 600-tanker droughtrelief operation for Yorkshire Water, has threatened its subcontractors with the sack if they drive more than the regulation nine hours a day or fail to use tachographs.
Under EU law they could drive up to 10 hours a day without tachographs because they are providing what Brussels terms "statutory services" to the drought-hit region.
However, Exel says anybody driving over the permitted nine hours a day, or failing to take their 45 minute breaks after 4.5 hours driving, will be in breach of their contracts and sacked, even though their contracts with Exel are covered by EU driving regulations.
Exel says: "Technically there is a loophole because of the type of operation hut it's not one we want to see exploited. It is not something we condone and anybody found to be doing so will be breaking their contract."
Haulage safety campaign group Brake says any breach of hours and tachograph rules is cause for concern and warns the issue may have to be raised with the Department of Transport O Yorkshire 'Water is to suspend tankering operations for 10 days over Christmas because residents along the lorry routes have complained about the volume of traffic.