The Road Transport (Working Time) Regulations will be five years old in the coming months. As many truck companies will have introduced their current workforce agreements around the time the regulations were introduced in April 2005, these agreements are now up for renewal as they are only valid for five years.
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has warned its members that the terms of their agreements will now need to be renegotiated with all concerned parties.
The agreements, which are in place between truck drivers and their companies, were introduced so as to introduce some flexibility into specific operations. Any employer who employs freight delivery drivers, amongst others, can agree with their workers to extend the reference period for the average 48-hour working time limit for a maximum of 26 weeks.
RHA Employment Affairs Director Ruth Pott has warned companies not to delay the renewal of these agreements. She said: “They are absolutely essential to the efficient operation of your business and any members who need help or advice should contact their RHA regional office.”
Daniel Parry of Delivery Quote Compare, a price comparison website for shipping, transportation and courier services, said: “These regulations are extremely important to all road haulage companies as they ensure that their drivers are not overworked. Exhaustion behind the wheel is very dangerous and can lead to accidents.
“Companies must ensure that their haulage drivers, particularly those who drive long-distance, take the necessary breaks during their journeys. These new regulations will help them do that.”
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