Freight operators welcome driving hours review

The FTA said it was pleased by the review's conclusion that there was to be no change in the original interpretation of what constitutes 'periods of availability' (PoA) - meaning that time when drivers are available for work, but not working, will not be included in the calculation of the average 48 hour week.

Similarly, there will be no cap on the amount of time which can be declared as PoA. However, there will be changes to the guidance on PoA, that will be consulted on by the end of March. The FTA added that it was also clear that enforcement of working time was to be increased.

At the same time, the TUC claimed the review had identified "substantial abuse of the law."

"This must be addressed as a matter of urgency in order to keep our roads safe," said TUC general secretary Brendan Barber.

"We welcome the Government's promise to improve guidance, awareness and enforcement of the law," he added. "However, the Government will be making a fundamental mistake if it allows the current rules on periods of availability to stand, since they are widely used by unscrupulous employers to get round the rules."