KENT, UNITED KINGDOM, Jul 06 (MARKET WIRE) —
It has been revealed that self-employed lorry drivers will not be made
exempt from the working time directive, following events on June 15th.
MEPs voted against the move to make self-employed drivers exempt from EU
rules on working hours.
A European Commission proposal on the issue provoked a concentrated
debate from MEPs, largely centring on regulations and restrictions
already facing small businesses versus lorry drivers’ safety when working
long hours.
Flint Insurance, a leading HGV Insurance company reported how the
directive was first brought out in 2002 to regulate EU working times and
independent lorry drivers had been made exempt since 2009. However, they
will now be forced to adhere to the 48 hour maximum working week as well
as ensuring they take regular breaks.
It had been a concern to the Commission that some drivers purportedly
work over 80 hours a week, which raised the matter of over worked lorry
drivers prone to dangerous driving because of exhaustion.
A spokesperson for Flint, who specialise in Lorry Insurance , commented:
‘It is very important for drivers to make sure they take frequent breaks
and stay alert. Many lorry drivers are forced to work for lengthy
stretches on the roads, putting them at major risk of losing their
concentration. It is therefore vital that drivers avoid this by taking
appropriate measures whenever they feel extremely fatigued’.
The Commission hopes to prevent such situations so that drivers are not
at peril of putting their own life or others’ in danger. But some MEPs
claim that there is no evidence to show that lorry drivers are involved
in many accidents due to tiredness.
The main question to come out of the debate is whether or not small
businesses can realistically cope with the potential work hour
restrictions and organise themselves appropriately, while maintaining
their income and not overstretching resources.
Some MEPs have argued that they cannot and this latest restriction is
simply unnecessary. It remains to be seen whether or not the proposal
will go ahead or not.
About Flint Insurance:
Flint Insurance is an independent insurance broker. With over 30 years’
experience in the trade, they can offer a range of cover for businesses
including specialist HGV insurance cover throughout the UK. By using a
panel of over 35 insurers, they can provide the most appropriate and
cost-effective cover for their clients.
For further information, please visit: www.flintinsurance.co.uk or call
0800 021 4501.
Contacts:
HGV Insurance Public Relations – Flint Insurance
Dave Stoneman
Kent, United Kingdom
0208 309 5000
Davestoneman@flintinsurance.co.uk
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