Fitters may drive at weekends
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• Modifications to the drivers' hours regulations could be in force in time for the Spring Bank Holiday (May 29-31 inclusive), Mr John Peyton, Minister for Transport Industries, announced last week. The "Drivers' Hours (Passenger and Goods Vehicles) (Modifications) Order, 1971" was laid before Parliament on April 8.
The modifications are largely in line with the draft proposals circulated by the DoE to interested parties for comment (CM March 5), but include special provision so that men normally employed by a psv undertaking on non-driving work—such as maintenance men—may become full-time drivers for the undertaking on up to two days a week without having to comply with drivers' hours requirements for the whole week. This should help operators to maintain the reliability of weekend services, especially where a five-day week is operated.
Minor concessions for goods vehicle drivers engaged in quarrying work, cinematography and radio or television broadcasting will also be provided by the Order.
Under the new Order the daily limit on driving, time will remain 10 hours, but the driver's working day may be spread over a period of up to 16. hours, within which the driving limits must be observed. A break of at least 30 minutes after 5+ hours driving will be required; alternatively a "straight-through" shift of up to 8+ hours, containing at least 45 minutes non-driving time, will be allowed.