For all you TRUCKERS out there...tacho query

[Spun Cuppa]

I used to drive lorries many moons ago, and would work Saturday mornings almost continuously

I have a fair working knowledge of the tacho rules, and was under the impression that we were due 48 hours break at the end of the week (Saturday/Sunday), which could be reduced to 36 hours, allowing Saturday morning work, on the condition the shortfall was made up at the end of the third week...

This would mean that we were entitled to every third Saturday morning off, which wasn't the case, meaning we never actually got the 48 hours break, or the shortfall made up?

The rules are basically the same as they were in my time, so any similar experiences out there?

 

[BensGrandad]

Acording to my son he says that you could finish early on 2 or 3 days ie finish Mon Tues Wed at 2 pm but be paid until 6pm and you will have made up the time off but I cant see it as you still dont have a continuous 12 hour break but as he works for one of the biggest companies in the country I would assume that it is right. and legal.

 

[Spun Cuppa]

Finishing early on Mon., Tues. and Weds. doesn't fulfil the requirement for a driver to have 48 hours off at the end of the week though? I'm quite surprised VOSA don't do checks on lorry firms whose fleet are seen on the road every Saturday tbh...

 

[Lord Bracknell]

A handy (57 page) guide, updated in August 2010, can be found here ...

http://www2.dft.gov.uk/pgr/freight/road/workingtime/drivershoursgoods.pdf

 

[BensGrandad]

Finishing early on Mon., Tues. and Weds. doesn't fulfil the requirement for a driver to have 48 hours off at the end of the week though? I'm quite surprised VOSA don't do checks on lorry firms whose fleet are seen on the road every Saturday tbh...

Some of the drivers on the firm that son works for work Mon - Fri others Tues - Sat. I think that he must have been confused about how I put it across to him as many times he is given a short run which enables him to finish early as he has done too many hours.

 

[Spun Cuppa]

Cheers for that LB

I have a hard copy of the 2007 version, so the update is handy

It still seems to point to the fact you can't work every Saturday morning

 

[Leekbrookgull]

Some of the drivers on the firm that son works for work Mon - Fri others Tues - Sat. I think that he must have been confused about how I put it across to him as many times he is given a short run which enables him to finish early as he has done too many hours.

Confused ? Have you ever read the books on EEC driving,like Lord B says it is only 57 pages long you try understanding that !! Out of interest is he using paper or digital tacho card ? Vosa/Swansea can read that straight away.

 

[jessiejames]

Rest periods should ALWAYS be scheduled on a weekly basis. This should take place no later than the end of 6th day since the last 24 hour rest period took place.
In any two week period it is a required law that all HGV drivers adhere to the following rest periods:
If these rest periods aren’t fulfilled then it is essential they are compensated by a similar period of rest in full before the end of the 3rd week.
At least two regular weekly rest periods (same as the normal job). These rest periods should be at least 45 hours in duration and happen every week.
Two weekly rest periods. One can be a reduced rest period of 24 hours.

 

[Spun Cuppa]

This is my point. If a driver works every Saturday morning, and finishes at midday, then starts again at 7am. on the Monday, they technically have only had a 36 hour weekly rest, as the tacho regs working week ends at midnight on the Sunday (12+24=36). The only way to stay within the regulations is to finish on Friday evening every third week...

 

[Tazman]

You must make up the shortfall by the end of a rolling three week period by adding the shortfall to a daily rest period (9 hrs plus shortfall) or add to another weekly rest of 45hrs plus shortfall.

 

[Muzzy]

You must make up the shortfall by the end of a rolling three week period by adding the shortfall to a daily rest period (9 hrs plus shortfall) or add to another weekly rest of 45hrs plus shortfall.

Is the correct answer, sir

Another point to add, not relevant to the OP but useful to know...

If you work in another industry but decide that you want to drive either LGV or PCV at the weekend for extra dosh you must also take a forty five hour break and with compensation again by the end of the 3rd week. As quite simply, if you drive on a tacho at any time then whatever you do for a usual living is classed as other work under EU regulations!