New consultation on drivers’ hours - Van drivers could face tougher restrictions on the number of hours they can spend behind the wheel.
The government has launched a wide-ranging consultation on the hours many van, bus and other professional drivers can work – and it seems the driving time limits and statutory breaks that apply to heavy truck drivers could be extended to drivers of smaller vehicles.
The consultation covers the UK domestic drivers’ hours rules. As well as van and many bus drivers, these apply to refuse collection and breakdown vehicles and a range of other professional drivers. They do not apply to lorries or buses on longer routes, which come under the scope of European Union drivers’ hours rules.
Transport Minister Paul Clark said the consultation was intended to improve road safety, promote good working conditions and ensure fair competition between operators.
The consultation will close on October 13, and copies of the report will be available on the DfT website at www.dft.gov.uk/consultations
