Unite says long-hours culture is putting overworked HGV drivers at risk

The Unite union has accused road transport bosses of operating on “the edges of legality”, suggesting  the industry’s long-hours culture is putting overworked drivers and other road users at risk.

Unite, which represents around 60,000 drivers and transport workers, says it is concerned that long hours and unreasonable routing is contributing to accidents.

Matt Draper, Unite national officer for road transport, says: “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.”

The Union is calling on Transport Secretary Justine Greening to boost the resources of VOSA, so that it can carry out more roadside HGV checks.

It has also attacked the lack of driver facilities available, saying sleeping in a cab with little in the way of amenities is affecting the quality of rest they get.

The maximum hours drivers are normally allowed to drive each week is 56.