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Big truck ban on Forth Bridge eases of EU hours of work rules
THE European Commission has eased hours of work restrictions for drivers needing to make a 50-mile detour because of a heavy goods vehicle ban on Scotland's weakened Forth Road Bridge until February 15.
The bridge has been undergoing repairs to a crack in the steelwork since December 3 and was originally due to re-open to all vehicles on January 4.
But Transport Scotland announced on December 22 that cars, buses and coaches could cross but heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tonnes would have to use an alternative route until permanent strengthening work is completed in mid-February, reported Lloyd's Loading List.
The Freight Transport Association welcomed the decision to extend truck drivers' working hours, but policy director Karen Dee said the delay in re-opening the bridge to HGVs delivers a "devastating blow" to FTA members.
"The additional costs incurred by the 50-mile diversion are significant, especially when contracts have already been signed and there is no opportunity to recoup the money," she said.
The extension of the drivers' hours relaxation will help operators to manage their fleets while the diversion is in place, but the priority must be to get the bridge open to HGVs as soon as possible," Ms Dee said.
FTA members have reported extra costs of thousands of British pounds a day for the additional mileage and staff needed.
The bridge has been undergoing repairs to a crack in the steelwork since December 3 and was originally due to re-open to all vehicles on January 4.
But Transport Scotland announced on December 22 that cars, buses and coaches could cross but heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tonnes would have to use an alternative route until permanent strengthening work is completed in mid-February, reported Lloyd's Loading List.
The Freight Transport Association welcomed the decision to extend truck drivers' working hours, but policy director Karen Dee said the delay in re-opening the bridge to HGVs delivers a "devastating blow" to FTA members.
"The additional costs incurred by the 50-mile diversion are significant, especially when contracts have already been signed and there is no opportunity to recoup the money," she said.
The extension of the drivers' hours relaxation will help operators to manage their fleets while the diversion is in place, but the priority must be to get the bridge open to HGVs as soon as possible," Ms Dee said.
FTA members have reported extra costs of thousands of British pounds a day for the additional mileage and staff needed.
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