Simpler exemption records
Page 8
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• Plans to simplify record sheets for vehicles exempt from EEC driving regulations have been circulated for consultation by the Department of Transport.
They form part of the tidying-up process the DTp is conducting in line with the introduction of the new EEC drivers' hours regulations on September 29 (see previous page).
Although comments on the proposals can be made to the DTp until July 31, the Freight Transport Association and Road Haulage Association have already welcomed them.
Operators with vehicles over 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight, who are exempt from EEC regulations and drive under Domestic Regulations, will eventually receive a new rule book where only daily duty and driving need be noted.
However, from September 29 operators should just fill in these details of the two duties in their present log book; after another six months they will start the new-style log book, and can use both. Then six months after that the oldstyle book will become obsolete.
This is to prevent wastage of the present log books, the DTp says.
The special needs exemptions which presently give some increased duty limits, spreadover and the facility to postpone rest are to be revoked.
It also wants to change the definition of "local" driving within the Domestic Regulations. Presently no records are needed for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes GVW which are exempt from EEC rules, if they are driven for less than four hours and/or within a 40km (25miles) radius in a day. This limit is to rise to 50Icm (31 miles).