The Road Haulage Association supports the DVSA’s action on drivers’ hours compliance but is concerned about the lack of legal rest areas for drivers to park.

From Monday 5 March, DVSA traffic examiners will start issuing on-the-spot fines for drivers’ hours offences committed in the previous 28 days. They’ll be able to issue fines for five offences in a single check.

With fines of up to £300 for each offence a driver could be liable for £1,500 in a single stop whether the offences were committed in the UK or abroad. DVSA will also have the option to immobilise the vehicle.

“We welcome enforcement that increases road safety and ensures drivers get their rest breaks,” said RHA chief executive, Richard Burnett. “And it will certainly help DVSA get a grip on drivers who’ve crossed into the UK having driven long distances without sufficient breaks before they’ve got here.”

“Whilst we support action against firms who deliberately flout drivers’ hours rules, we also call on the Government to address the urgent need for more lorry parking areas so that drivers have somewhere secure to rest.”

Road Haulage Association

About the Author: John Loughran