Truck drivers at risk from "long hours" culture
Unite, the largest union in the country have urged the government to bring an end to the "long hours" culture endured by Britain's 300,000 heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers.
Unite, which represents about 60,000 truck drivers and transport workers in the haulage industry, said it was concerned that some haulage companies could be operating on ‘the edges of legality’. The maximum hours allowed legally is 56 hours-a-week.
Unite national officer for road transport Matt Draper said: ”We have serious concerns that, potentially, a culture of long hours and unreasonable routing could be contributing to accidents. We are seeing the amount of hours drivers are expected to work continually rise, at a time, when their terms and conditions are being eroded.
”Some haulage firm bosses, in a very competitive environment, are pushing at the boundaries of legality. The industry must recognise the cumulative effect of drivers working tough schedules and 15 hour-days.
”Drivers are expected to sleep in their cabs after a long shift, often by the roadside due to the lack of facilities that are taken for granted, such as washing facilities and a decent place to get some well-needed rest.”
Unite has also called on transport secretary Justine Greening to boost the funding for VOSA, the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency, which regulates the roadworthiness of the industry’s lorries so it can increase roadside checks on HGVs and lorry drivers.
Unite’s call has come in the wake of the recent tragic accidents on the M5 and M56 which cost the lives of eight people and injured many more. Three of those that died were lorry drivers.
The accidents have called into question government proposals to raise the speed limit from 70 mph to 80 mph, but there are also serious concerns about the haulage industry overall.
