20 Apr Derogation of EU HGV rules
Further temporary derogation of EU driving and resting rules
15 April 2020
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport have agreed a further extension of the temporary derogation from certain provisions of the EU driving and resting time rules due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This extension includes additional measures, which will apply from 17 April to 31 May 2020.
The derogation will apply to all operators and drivers subject to the EU driver’s hours and tachograph rules engaged in the carriage of all goods (including oil supplies etc.) and will continue to be reviewed by the RSA during this time.
The prolongation of this temporary derogation is being made in view of the potential ongoing impact of the COVID-19 crisis on HGV operations; the importance of ensuring continuity of supply chains; and in response to requests from the haulage industry.
The additional measures being introduced include the following;
• Opportunity to avail of extra reduced daily rest periods
• Opportunity to take a regular weekly rest period in the cabin
A detailed description of derogation measures regarding: fortnightly driving time, extra reduced daily rest periods, weekly rest requirements and regular weekly rest in the cabin is available to read on the RSA website.
Operator obligations
The RSA also outlines operator obligations emphasising that HGV operators are required to mitigate the risks of disruption to transport operations and to plan accordingly and ensure compliance with the EU rules.
The RSA also stressed that while the current situation may impact on driving time, driver safety or other road user’s safety must not be compromised. Drivers should not deviate from the rules if it jeopardises road safety nor should they be expected to drive whilst tired – employers remain responsible for the health and safety of their employees and other road users.
Details of the derogations and operator obligations are outlined in detail on the RSA’s website at the following location: (https://www.rsa.ie/en/Utility/News/2020/Further-Temporary-relaxation-of-EU-driving-and-resting-time-rules-due-to-ongoing-COVID-19-pandemic/)
Source: rsa.ie