Simplified drivers’ hours guidance released

The Department for Transport (DfT) has released simplified guidance on the European Union rules surrounding drivers’ hours and working time.

The guidance, which has been produced by DfT in conjunction with several industry bodies as well as trade unions, “is not a substitute for the current full guidance documents,” the department said – but would “help drivers better understand how the EU drivers’ hours and working time rules work together.”

It was drafted following the recommendations of a stakeholder working group, which highlighted “a lack of clarity and understanding” surrounding the rules – particularly over the issue of breaks.

The document provides a tabulated summary of both drivers’ hours regulations and the Working Time Directive, and covers various related topics in an accessible question and answer format.

Subjects include the scope of the rules, tachograph modes and symbols, daily and weekly driving limits, break/rest periods, the definition of working time, and period of availability (POA).

Case studies are also featured, including for passenger transport, as well as a list of ‘common pitfalls’.

The guidance can be downloaded from the gov.uk website.