The Department for Transport have relaxed some of the driving hours rules for the transport of various essential items. They have done this in an attempt to try and combat the panic buying that has been caused by the coronavirus. Of course you can read the statement online if you want. The exemption does not apply to drivers who are doing deliveries right to the consumers. This relaxation applies from 00:01 from Wednesday 18th of March and it is going to run until the 16th of April. The department have stated that they reserve the right to withdraw the relaxation earlier if any of the circumstances change. The department want to make it as clear as possible that driver safety cannot be compromised at any stage of the process. Drivers should not be expected to drive while they are tired at all and if you work in driver jobs or even in an driver recruitment agency then you will know how important moves like this can be.

The requirement is for you to take a break of 45 minutes after you have been driving for 4.5 hours. This has been replaced with a 45 minute break after 55 hours of driving. On top of this, drivers cannot Use relaxation A and D at the same time as they have to have a good amount of rest before. The practical implantation of the relaxation rules should be through the agreement that is being made between employees and the driving representatives. The drivers in question have to note on their tachograph charts or even on their printouts why they are exceeding the limit. This is usually the case in an emergency or if enforcement is required. With all of this in mind, you have to make sure that you are staying safe on the road.