AT THE HEART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

Call our Sales Team on 0208 912 2120

P DRIVERS' HOURS

2nd September 2010, Page 30
2nd September 2010
Page 30
Page 30, 2nd September 2010 — P DRIVERS' HOURS
Close
Noticed an error?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.

Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

Do weekend truck movements affect my drivers' hours?

As an owner-driver beginning my weekly rest period how much freedom do I have? For example, I might decide to clean the cab and wash my lorry at the weekend This involves moving the truck in the yard to drop the trailer. I am aware that the digital tachograph will record the driving time (even though I have not inserted my card) or I could insert my card and record the time as 'Out of Scope.' Can I perform these functions without compromising my statutory weekly rest and going over hours?

THE WEEKLY REST period is meant solely for rest and recuperation, and legally the driver must be able to freely dispose of his or her time. This means no time can be spent in connection with the business, even as a voluntary choice. If stopped at the roadside and asked to account for the miming kilometres, revealing the washing of the lorry will count as maintenance. Enforcement authorities are thus likely to view it as work, and may penalise the driver. The same applies to a lorry fitted with an analogue tachograph.