TOTAL CHAOS WITH NEW HGV LEGISLATION

[OWLIE185]

This makes interesting reading in todays issue of Horse and Hounds 05.03.2009.

Has anyone else read the article and how do you interpret it?

One of the main points is that people that use HGV's Horseboxes (over 7.5 Tons) and are in full time work or employment can only drive them on one day of every week as they must have one rest day from work every week.

This is going to have serious consequences for people with HGV horseboxes.

[Madam_max]

for real?

[wizzi901]

Nooooooo!! Its all to do with WTD (Working Time Directive) it means if you DRIVE HGV's for a living 5 days a week, you could only drive (if on tacho for business not private carriage) one day out of every OTHER weekend. My OH has this problem as he is HGV driver, but can only do overtime every other weekend.

If you work full time in an office or similar, not driving, you can drive an HGV all weekend.

I may have totally misinterpreted your message, so apologies if I have.

Best place to start is looking up the new Working Time Directive laws but I doubt any new changes will affect anyone that much unless they drive HGV every day for their living.

[moiragedge]

Sorry not according to Horse Hound it clearly states even working in an office Monday to Friday is counted they are seeking clarification from Vosa as are BD,

[wizzi901]

good god that cant be right, about the whole of my OH's workforce wouldnt be able to drive!!! its no doubt a massive cock up on VOSA's part as usual!!!

[ChrissieC]

[ QUOTE ]
Sorry not according to Horse Hound it clearly states even working in an office Monday to Friday is counted they are seeking clarification from Vosa as are BD,

[/ QUOTE ]

Yep, that's what H&H reported. I expect a lot of people will be working 4-day weeks!

[miller]

Must admit I understood it to be "working hours" regardless of what job you do!

We checked it out when thinking about doing HGV license as OH is in sales and drives most of the day 5 days a week and were told he wouldn't be able to drive at weekends?

[Donkeymad]

I understand it as you do. H&H are not infallible and I would be checking this out.

[miketdt]

I read that local retained fireman were crying about this and were looking for an excemption as most have full time jobs. I wonder if this will apply to the TA. part time soldiers?

[lisak]

I haven't read the article but at the yard last night few of the girls were talking about it.
I am really confused of this new law and how it would effect me if i wanted to take my horse in my wagon and travel to a show on saturday, stay over and come back on Sunday. I work mon to fri in an office!

We thought it might be to do with Tachographs, as it records how many hours you've been driving and if you've stopped to have a break. My wagon has one but its disconnected at the mo. However it was in our thinking not all wagons/ lorries would have them fitted so you couldn't prove how long you've been on the road.

I've tried to google it but its still no clearer to me.
Please explain! I'm so confused!!