Department of Transport seeks views on temporary relaxation of Drivers' Hours rules
21st Jul 2021 / By Alistair Driver
The Department of Transport is seeking industry views on the Government’s plans to further relax drivers’ hours and rest periods from August 9 to October 3.
Members who are affected by the current shortage of HGV drivers can complete a survey HERE. Responses need to be in by July 26.
The Department said it was aware that there is an acute shortage of HGV drivers impacting supply chains, compounded by increased demand as lockdown restrictions are eased.
It has already put in place a temporary relaxation of the Drivers’ Hours rules from July 12 as a first step to alleviate supply chain pressures by providing flexibility for the movement of goods in Great Britain.
The Department made relaxations to certain drivers’ hours rules towards the end of last year and at the start of this year based on the exceptional circumstances arising from COVID-19 and the withdrawal of the UK from the EU.
A second relaxation lapsed on March 31 due to limited uptake and the feeling businesses had adapted to new Brexit rules.
Early indications are that there is greater interest in the use of the latest relaxation, and the Department is seeking views on whether to extend the period.