Drivers’ hours toolkit for transport managers

Home / Learning Journey / Drivers’ hours toolkit for transport managers

Table of Contents

National and international drivers’ hours toolkit for transport managers

Why Are Drivers’ Hours Controlled?

Purpose:

  • Driver Safety: Limiting driving hours prevents fatigue, reducing the risk of accidents.
  • Public Safety: Ensures that drivers remain alert, minimizing potential road hazards.

Record Keeping:

  • Accurate records of driving hours and work activities are essential to monitor compliance and safety.

Importance of Managing Drivers’ Hours

Consequences of Non-Compliance:

  • For Operators: Failure to monitor and control drivers’ hours can lead to disciplinary actions against the operator’s license or the transport manager.
  • For Drivers: Drivers are also held accountable, with possible action from the Traffic Commissioner affecting their driving license.

Rules Governing Drivers’ Hours

EU Drivers’ Hours Rules (EC Regulation 561/2006):

  • Applicability: Drivers of goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes within and between the UK and EU.

AETR Rules:

  • Applicability: Drivers outside the UK and EU (e.g., Norway, Switzerland) with nearly the same rules as the EU but with key differences.

Additional Regulations:

  • Road Transport (Working Time) Regulations 2005: Limits weekly working time for drivers and crew.
  • British Domestic Hours Rules: For drivers of vehicles under 3.5 tonnes or exempt from EU hours.
  • Working Time Regulations 1998: Additional constraints for drivers under domestic rules or those occasionally driving under EU/AETR rules.

Requirements of National and International Rules

Maximum Limits:

  • Daily and fortnightly driving time.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Breaks from driving, daily rest, and weekly rest periods.

Differences Between AETR and EU Rules

Key Differences:

  • Rest Interruptions: AETR does not allow reduced weekly rest on trains and ferries.
  • Rest Locations: Two consecutive weekly rest periods cannot be taken outside the UK under AETR.
  • Return to Base: AETR does not require the driver to return to their operating center every four weeks.

Manager Responsibilities

Understanding and Communicating the Rules:

  • Ensure both managers and drivers understand the applicable rules. Training and written summaries can help.

Monitoring and Compliance:

  • Regularly download and review tachograph records. Maintain records and apply disciplinary measures for any infringements.

Disciplinary Process

Steps for Infringements:

  • Verbal warning → Written warning → Final written warning → Dismissal or reassignment.
  • Provide remedial training at each stage.

Scheduling and Route Planning

Considerations:

  • Plan routes considering maximum driving times and required breaks.
  • Build sufficient time for unforeseen events and avoid relying on driving/rest concessions in the scheduling.

Resources and Support

Checklists and Documents:

  • Access checklists for common issues, Q&A on specific topics like tachograph data, and updates on regulations.