The Road Safety Authority and the Department of Transport have decided to temporarily relax some of the EU driving and resting time rules for HGV drivers.
The proposed changes will apply to all operators and are subject to the EU driver’s hours and tachograph rules who are involved in the transportation of goods.
The move is being made due to the stark impact that the Omicron variant is having on HGV operations and on the supply of goods in Ireland.
Changes will focus on ensuring the continuity of supply chains while recognising the importance of the road haulage sector to the national economy.
All of the following changes will apply from January 9, 2022, until January 30, and will be reviewed every week.
According to the RSA, the following measures are being introduced:
- The driving time rules are being relaxed by lifting the fortnightly driving limit from 90 hours to 112 hours. Because of this approach, drivers will be entitled to drive a maximum of 56 hours in each consecutive week until the expiration. There is no change to the rules relating to working time.
- The maximum of three reduced daily rest periods between any two weekly rest periods is also being increased from three to five to provide drivers with some extra flexibility should they encounter delays on their journeys. However, it is important to note that the applicable spread must continue to be complied with, on whatever day that a daily rest is extended to make a weekly rest. For example, if a driver avails of the maximum of five reduced daily rest periods on the first five days since the end of the previous weekly rest period and then continues to drive on the sixth consecutive day his/her daily spread shall not exceed 13 hours on day six.
- The rules relating to weekly rest are also being relaxed by allowing drivers to take a reduced weekly rest of at least 24 hours in each consecutive week during the relaxation period. There will be no obligation on a driver to take at least one regular weekly rest period in any two consecutive weeks until the derogation expires. Furthermore, there will not be any requirement for compensation where reduced weekly rest is being taken.
Minister of State, Hildegarde Naughton confirmed the news on Twitter and wrote: "I have agreed a temporary relaxation of the EU driving time and resting time rules due to the impact that the Omicron variant is having on the haulage and logistics sector.
"I want to thank all in the industry for their continued resilience and work during this challenging time."
