Exhausted truckers could pose a “lethal” danger to other road users if they end up working longer hours as a result of a no-deal Brexit , a union has warned.
Unite fears a rise in road fatalities if the Government suspends the EU’s 56-hour-a-week limit on driving time.
In 2017 – the latest available figures – there were a total of 267 deaths involving lorries, including 21 drivers.
A Unite poll of 4,000 drivers found fatigue is already a huge issue, with 29% having nodded off at the wheel.
Adrian Jones of Unite said: “We’ll oppose any relaxation in regulations. It would result in exhausted drivers, with potentially lethal consequences.”
Shadow Transport Secretary Andy McDonald said: “The Government must assure drivers there will be no relaxation of safety rules.”
