Search

date: 14 October 2009

embargo: 00.01hrs 16 October 2009

Bus and van drivers need better protection against long hours working

The rules governing the working hours of bus, coach and van drivers are so out of date that many drivers have fewer breaks than office workers, the TUC warns today (Friday).

In its submission to the Department for Transport's review of Domestic Drivers Hours Rules, the TUC says that long hours working is a direct cause of driver fatigue, which contributed to one in five road accidents last year.

Excessive working time can also cause stress, back pain and increase the risk of heart disease and mental illness, says the TUC.

Despite the clear road safety and health risks associated with drivers working long hours, one in four bus drivers work more than 49.5 hours a week, while one in four van drivers work more than 48 hours a week.

The working time rules for the drivers of vehicles buses, coaches, vans and some larger vehicles such as dustcarts and milk tankers were set by the 1968 Transport Act.

The TUC submission argues that these rules, now more than 30 years old, are so out of date that some drivers get less protection against long hours working than staff in shops, offices and factories, who are protected by the 1998 Working Time Regulations. Van drivers have no minimum entitlements to breaks for example.

The rules need to be updated to give all drivers the right to proper breaks and prevent them from working excessive hours, says the TUC.

The TUC submission recommends giving drivers of buses, coaches and some heavy vehicles that need a specialised operator's licence as much protection as HGV drivers, who are protected by the Road Transport Working Time Regulations 2005.

Light van drivers also need these tougher rules and should have to keep a record of their working hours, says the TUC.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: 'Long hours working can damage the health of any workers but the risks for drivers are particularly serious.

'Drivers forced to work extra long shifts are more likely to get tired at the wheel and are at risk of being involved in road accidents.

'The rules governing drivers' hours are 30 years old and need updating. By protecting drivers from excessive hours and allowing them more breaks, the Government can improve the health of drivers and help to prevent road accidents.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

The current working time rules and the TUC's proposals for new Domestic Drivers Rules

- In addition workers are entitled to 5.6 weeks per year paid annual leave.

- There are some exemptions and variations set out to the general rules above. Further details on DBIS and DfT websites.

- The Working Time Regulations 1998 covers all workers except mobile transport workers. The Road Transport Working Time Regulations 2005 (RTWT) covers most HGV and long distance coach drivers. The Domestic Drivers Hours Regulations 1968 covers local buses, coaches, light vans and some heavier vehicles that are exempt from the 2005 RTWT regulations.

- The TUC submission to the Department for Transport review of the domestic drivers hours rules is available from the TUC press office.

- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk

- Register for the TUC's press extranet: a service exclusive to journalists wanting to access pre-embargo releases and reports from the TUC. Visit www.tuc.org.uk/pressextranet

Contacts:

Media enquiries:
Liz Chinchen T: 020 7467 1248 M: 07778 158175 E: media@tuc.org.uk
Rob Holdsworth T: 020 7467 1372 M: 07717 531150 E: rholdsworth@tuc.org.uk
Elly Brenchley T: 020 7467 1337 M: 07900 910624 E: ebrenchley@tuc.org.uk

Press release (1,000 words) issued 16 Oct 2009