MPs call for hours' limits to apply to lorry drivers

The Working Time Directive should be extended to lorry drivers,

including those who are self-employed, to combat driver fatigue,

according to a parliamentary inquiry into the industry. The driving

industry is presently exempt from the directive's provisions.

However, the report, by the House of Commons select committee on

environment, transport and regional affairs, points out that even if the

directive was applied to drivers, current provisions would exclude those

who were self-employed. The report notes: "It is obvious that such

drivers suffer as much from fatigue as others, and thus that they would

equally benefit from reduced working hours."

It also points out that the exemption would be likely to result in more

drivers becoming self-employed, undermining the directive's

effectiveness.

Although the report was welcomed by unions, the committee's proposal for

a re-examination of night-time working restrictions was criticised by

the T&G general union. The committee had argued that restricting night-

time deliveries would reduce the industry's flexibility and increase

congestion during the day. T&G road haulage national secretary Ron Webb

said: "When drivers are tired and visibility is poor, accidents happen.

Safety should be the number one priority, but it seems that other

concerns are getting in the way."