Due to a shortage of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) the Department for Transport (DfT) has temporarily relaxed drivers’ hours and working time rules.  The relaxation only applies to LPG deliveries to domestic, agricultural and industrial premises. This includes deliveries between refineries and distribution depots in the UK. It will apply until 11.59 pm on 22 April. Normal rules will apply from then on.  

Under the temporary rules the EU daily driving limit is increased from 9 to 10 hours. The daily rest requirement is reduced from 11 to 9 hours and the weekly and fortnightly driving limits have been removed. The weekly rest requirement has also been postponed to 11.59 pm on 18 April, but drivers must take their weekly rest no later than the 11th day after their last rest period.

Working time rules have also been relaxed enabling drivers to work for up to 66 hours, instead of the usual 60 hour weekly maximum.

Operators are being asked to ensure that drivers note the reasons for exceeding the normal limits on the back of their analogue tachograph charts or the print out from the digital tachograph.  

The DfT has also reminded operators that drivers should not be expected to drive whilst tired.