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.
