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Arena Magazine 2008 Issue 1 Spring Arena |
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Drive time
Your question answered.
I am a home delivery driver for a major supermarket chain. The service has become very popular and we now regularly work 12-hour days, most of the time spent driving. I feel shattered all the time and am worried about causing an accident. I thought there were supposed to be rules to restrict working time for drivers?
Unfortunately, if you drive a vehicle under 3.5 tonnes, the law is rather vague. Workers who work in fixed workplaces are covered by the Working Time Regulations, which give them daily and weekly rest periods.
HGV drivers are covered by very strict rules on driving hours and on working time. But van drivers are not covered by either set of regulations. There are domestic driving rules that say daily driving should not exceed 10 hours and daily duties should not exceed 11 hours. But it is quite possible that you comply with these rules once you take account of any rest breaks that you have.
Your average working week should not exceed 48 hours and you are entitled to 'adequate' rest. However the term 'adequate' is not clearly defined.
Fatigue is a significant risk for professional drivers. Research suggests that 20 per cent of road accidents are caused by tired drivers. Even if you don't fall asleep at the wheel your reaction times will be slower and your ability to concentrate on the road will be affected.
If you think you are being worked too hard, talk to your fellow drivers and to your union rep. Consider making a collective grievance to try to negotiate better shift patterns.
While this advice is accurate it is not a definitive guide to the law or your contract.
If you have any concerns you should contact your local rep/official or ring the helpline 0845 6060640.
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