MINISTER PROPOSES TO CUT DRIVING TIME TO 9 HOURS A DAY
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SWEEPING changes in the permitted driving hours of goods and passenger vehicles were proposed by Mrs. Barbara Castle, Minister of Transport, on Wednesday:— • A maximum working day for drivers of 11 hours from the present permitted maximum of 14 hours.
• Actual driving time to be limited to 9 hours in any one day.
• A daily rest period of 11 hours instead of 10.
• A limitation of working time in any week of 60 hours, with a compulsory rest day each week.
These rules would apply to all drivers of goods and passenger vehicles, but there will continue to be some special provisions for bus drivers to help bus operators meet the needs of the travelling public.
All lorries over 30 cwt. unladen weight and buses not only or mainly on stage services would be fitted with recording instruments (tachographs); and a new simpler form of written record, personal to the driver, would replace the existing log sheets, and would be introduced for the first time for bus drivers.
Record-keeping by drivers of goods vehicles under 30 cwt. unladen would no longer be required, but limits on hours would still apply. The Minister's proposals are contained in a memorandum which is being issued to all interested organizations and comments are asked for by July 31 as it is hoped to introduce legislation in the next session of Parliament.