The long and winding road...
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The European Union and the Working Time Directive.
• The legislative process within the European Union can be painfully slow. As it stands, in 2004 hauliers will have to abide by its regulations, which will be enshrined in UK law (although it could be implemented in 2003 if the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament so decide). The final version could differ from the directive that has already been agreed by the European Council of Transport Ministers:
• December 2000. European Council of Transport Ministers decides to extend Working Time Directive to the UK haulage industry.
• The European Parliament will scrutinise the directive; its response will be known by the end offune. It is unlikely to ratify it in its present firm. In this case the European Parliament will put forward proposals for change, then enter a conciliation process with the European Council of Transport Ministers.
• There will be a three-year phasing-in period. The part of the Working Time Directive applying to drivers will be enshrined in UK law, as it stands in 2004, but owner-drivers will initially be exempt.
• The European Commission will then monitor the Working Time Directive for two years. This is to see if the haulage market has been distorted, says the FTA s Owen Thomas.
• After the two-year monitoring process, the European Commission will compile a report on the effects of the Working Time Directive. This report is expected to take a year to prepare. Legislation may be altered again but, as things stand, British owner-drivers have been guaranteed exemption from the directive until 2007.
Useful contacts: FTA, 01892 526 171; TGWU, 0207 611 2500; DTI Health and Safety infoline, 0541 545 500. Copies of the Working Time Directive Regulations are available from the Stationery Office.