Temporary relaxation of the enforcement of the EU and GB drivers’ hours rules EXTENDED

17 April 2020

The temporary relaxation of the EU and GB drivers’ hours rules has been extended until 31 May 2020.

The Department for Transport introduced the relaxations on 23 March 2020 in response to the increased pressure placed on supply chains by the COVID-19 pandemic and these were due to end on 21 April 2020.

Following a review of the relaxations the DfT has now announced that the relaxations will now be in place until 23:59 on Sunday 31 May 2020.

One of the relaxations has NOT, however, been extended and will end on 21 April 2020.  This is the relaxation of the EU rules relating to the requirement to take a break of 45 minutes after 4.5 hours driving.  This was temporarily increased to allow a break of 45 minutes to be taken after 5.5 hours driving; however, from 21 April 2020, this relaxation will no longer be applicable.

The DfT will continue to review these relaxations and they may be extended, amended or brought to an end earlier than 31 May if circumstances change.

Operators are reminded that the temporary relaxations should only be used where absolutely necessary and that drivers’ safety must not be compromised.  Further information can be found by clicking here.  

Backhouse Jones are offering an analysis and reporting service for operators making use of the relaxations to the EU and GB drivers’ hours rules during the coronavirus pandemic. More information on this can be found by clicking here  or call a member of our Regulatory Team for further guidance on 01254 828 300.