VOSA has yet to prosecute any transport operator for breaches of the working time regulations – six years after they were introduced. The rules limit average working time to 48 hours a week and require records to be kept for two years.
Under the regulations, VOSA carried out 565 visits to operators’ premises in the third quarter of 2010, resulting in advice being given to 79 companies.
No improvements notices have been issued- the next stage if advice is ignored. ” We have not prosecuted anyone under the regulations, preferring to prosecute for drivers’ hours offences where found,” says a VOSA spokesman.
The Road Transport (Working Time) Regulations came into force in April 2005 as part of the WorkingTime Directive (WTD), which applies to all industry sectors. VOSA says that WTD compliance is checked on all operator visits, whether or not that was the main purpose.

Extracted from Commercial Motor

• Ensure that drivers receive both CPC and NVQ training and are assessed at time of recruitment.
• Offer drivers a weekly bonus for carrying out their work correctly and sfely.
• Make it contractual that driving licences can be checked with the DVLA.
• Invite advice and help from VOSA.
• Be prepared for audits by customers and trade bodies.
• Service vehicles more regularly than is strictly necessary.



Extracted from Commercial Motor

The 2009 text of the carriage of dangerous goods rules (known as ADR) introduces additional changes from 1st January 2011 to the carriage of dangerous goods packed in limited quantities, including new placarding requirements for transport units over 12 tonnes tare weight that are carrying limited quantity goods in excess of 8 tonnes.