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FTA slams latest EU drivers hours plans as 'draconian'

16th May 2002, Page 4
16th May 2002
Page 4
Page 4, 16th May 2002 — FTA slams latest EU drivers hours plans as 'draconian'
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• by Chris Tindall The Freight Transport Association has branded planned amendments to the EU Drivers Hours Regulations as "horrendous" and "draconian'', The latest recommendations include bringing all goods vehicles within the scope of the legislation and increasing break times for drivers.

They were drafted by MEP Helmuth Markey, who seems to have ignored the industry's pleas for more flexibility for drivers. His suggestions will now go forward to the Council of Ministers in Brussels for deliberation, along with the original proposals. Markov recommends that the 90hour fortnightly limit for driving should be removed from the legislation. He also wants to introduce a 60-minute break {instead of 45 minutes) after 4.5hrs driving.

However, he has listened to the industry's call for consistency between the Working Time Directive and the Driver's Hours definition of a week, called for this definition to be amended.

"Looking at what Mr Markov is proposing, they are unrealistic and draconian," says an FTA spokesperson. The bottom line is that we are not happy. The original proposals were fairly horrendous, now they are even worse. By trying to sort out one problem, he is creating more."

The FTA is extremely concerned that the changes in break times will cost the transport industry a substantial amount of money. This, coupled with Markov's suggestion of bringing all goods vehicles within the scope of the legislation instead of just those over 3.5 tonnes, could remove the flexibility that is needed if the industry is to work efficiently.

Martin Carol!, managing director of air-freight specialists Saints Transport, is at a loss to describe the situation hauliers will face if these proposals become law in early 2004, as is planned: "It's just a crazy situation. We will always struggle to get good quality drivers and now we reckon we will have to increase our work force by about 25% to keep up. Existing drivers will also expect the same money for working shorter hours. Look how it has affected France."

However, the FTA plans to continue fighting for a more realistic set of proposals: "It is very important that we get these right. We are going to write to the comm tee telling them what we think and we want to see," says a spokesman.

"We then want to meet with the again. We are trying to address ti through another channel before the [ Parliamentary] Transport Committee di cuss these changes in June," he conclude


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