Hours relaxed for animal transporters
The Government has relaxed European Union (EU) rules on the number of hours drivers transporting animals are allowed behind the wheel in areas not affected by foot and mouth disease.
The relaxation will cover drivers taking animals to market in Low Risk foot and mouth areas.
It will increase the number of driving hours permitted by one third over a fortnight, increasing the daily limit from nine to ten hours, reducing the weekly rest period from 45 hours to 24 hours and removing weekly and fortnightly driving time limits - currently 56 and 90 hours.
Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly said:
"This is an important time for farmers and livestock owners. Therefore, after careful consideration, when movements to livestock markets are permitted in low risk areas we will be relaxing the rules governing drivers' hours. This will help minimise the impact of foot and mouth on the rural economy, as well as protect animal welfare."
The changes will be in force for a month and will only apply to drivers who are wholly or mainly engaged in transporting cattle, pigs and sheep in connection with meeting the exceptional circumstances arising as a consequence of the foot and mouth outbreak.
