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WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY?
The Health & Safety
at Work etc Act 1974 (HSWA) requires employers to ensure the health and
safety of all employees and anyone who may be affected by their work. This
includes tasking steps to control the risks from driving at work. The HSWA also
places a responsibility on employees not to endanger themselves or others and to
use any safety equipment provided.
The Management of Health
and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 place duties on employers to assess
risks and, where necessary, take action to eliminate or control the risks.
The Road Traffic Act
also has many provisions, which may apply to either vehicles or the drivers.
Employers should ensure that they comply with relevant sections.
Drivers are required to comply with the Highway Code and other guidance relating
to driving.
Driving hours of goods
vehicles over 3.5 tonnes and some passenger vehicles are regulated by EC rules.
These set limits on drivers' hours.
| Daily driving
limit |
9
hours (*) |
| Maximum
driving limit |
4.5
hours |
| Daily rest
period |
11
hours |
| Weekly driving
limit |
56
hours |
| Fortnightly
driving limit |
90
hours |
| Weekly rest
period |
45
consecutive hours (**) |
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* Can be extended to 10 hours
no more than twice a week.
** May be reduced to 36 hours if taken at
normal base, or 24 hours, if taken elsewhere.
Drivers operating within the UK exempt
from European Law will be subject to the Transport Act 1968, which lays
down the following limits
| Daily driving |
10
hours maximum |
| Daily duty |
11
hours maximum |
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