Red tape creates ‘road to ruin’ for working drivers

New working time limits for commercial drivers mean more costs and red tape, it was claimed yesterday.

EU rules enforcing an average 48-hour week on self-employed drivers come into effect on 11 May, and will be applied in the UK “reluctantly”, said the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK

Chief executive Simon Posner said: “The news that the government will have to legislate for a directive that was opposed by the majority of EU members’ states is not good for our members who operate a small business.

“In a time when the economy is tough, this can only restrict the ability of our smaller members, particularly family-run businesses to operate effectively.

“This will add further red tape and cost.”