New Road Transport Law Affects Thousands

April 17, 2007 - PRLog -- The new Road Safety Act has just come into force affecting thousands of North East truckers and commercial drivers.

The new road transport law brings the UK and the rest of Europe into line and affects driver road hours and tachograph operation.

Introducing on-the-spot fines for non-UK drivers, the Road Safety Act also increased the penalties for a wide variety of offences such as failing to give information about the identity of drivers. The road transport law also introduces new offences such as causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.

Transport law specialists Nick Marshall and David Glover of Marshall Glover Solicitors, based at The Quadrus Centre in Boldon, warn the new Road Safety Act is a potential minefield for the average driver or small haulier.

David Glover said: “2007 is set to see some sweeping changes in road transport law and the way that it is enforced. The new European regulations on driver hours came into force on 11 April and this is arguably the most significant set of changes to driver hours since the introduction of the tachograph.

“The regulations fundamentally change many of the specific rules on how break and rest must be taken, as well as increasing liability for breaches beyond drivers and operators, so that potentially it could affect tour operators and those involved in scheduling transport operations.”

David Glover added: “Nearly 60000 people work in logistics across the region some 20,000 are employed as van or heavy goods drivers. That’s not including bus and taxi drivers and other people earning a living behind the wheel.

“Transport law is changing all the time, especially with new European directives coming into force.  Our expertise is now on tap to guide companies and individuals and offer practical legal advice through potentially difficult times.”

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