DOT plans to simplify hours regs
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by Nicky Clarke
• The Department of Transport is calling on hauliers to help it simplify the domestic drivers' hours regulations, as promised in the summer (CM 22-28 July). The move is part of Prime Minister John Major's aim to deregulate industry. The rules apply to many vehicles which are exempt from EC drivers hours regulations, including the 30,000 units operated by Royal Mail and those operated by the gas, water and electricity companies. The DOT says it will welcome suggestions for exempting other categories of vehicles.
Under the domestic rules, LGV drivers are limited to 10 hours of drivirg a day, a daily duty of 11 hours and c cumulative or continuous driving period of five and a half hours after Which a break of 30 minutes must be taken.
Drivers must also take a daily rest period of 10 hours between two working days, and a fortnightly rest period of one stretch of 24 hours.
The DOT suggests increasing maximum daily driving time and the maximum period of driving time before a brea< must be taken and reducing the minimum rest period between working days as some of the ways of increasing staff and vehicle usage. However, it says it is "unlikely to favour changes which could have a detrimental impact on road safely". -Suggestions should be sent to: Freight Road Haulage Division, DOT, Room S16/02, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P3EB.