Transport minister Dr Stephen Ladyman says that the working time directive does apply to foreign drivers coming to the UK - but the DfT have ducked what that means in practice. Ladyman says, in a reply to a question from Tory Chris Grayling asked weeks ago: "The (EU) Commission is currently pursuing infraction proceedings against those member states that have failed to notify full transposition of the directive.
"The UK's implementing regulations apply to any mobile worker operating in
the UK provided they are employed by a haulier established in a member state of the European Union." The DfT tells Motor Transport that five countries are still not implementing the directive. Enforcing against foreign firms remains a practical problem as it would involve depot visits.Enforcement, currently low-key, is part of a wider review this winter.
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