Transport and Coronavirus – What’s been happening?

March 18th, 2020

With all the latest drama amid Covid-19, there have been a lot of updates and changes in the transport sector. We thought it would be a good idea to put all the updates together. Here is what’s happened over the last week.

1. IR35 postponed till April 2021.

Chief treasury secretary Steve Barclay announced on 17th March that the IR35 tax reforms would be delayed by one year, due to coronavirus. Very welcoming news for the private sector. One thing less to worry about for another year.

More info here.

2. Temporary and limited relaxation of the enforcement of EU driver’s hour’s rules

International and domestic freight transport is classified by the UK government as an essential activity. Hence, the Department for Transport has agreed to a temporary and limited urgent relaxation of the enforcement of EU drivers’ hours’ rules for the drivers of vehicles involved in the delivery of food, non-food (personal care and household paper and cleaning) and over the counter pharmaceuticals. This exemption does not apply to drivers undertaking deliveries directly to consumers. They also made it clear that driver safety must not be compromised.

This temporary relaxation applies from 00:01 on Wednesday 18 March 2020 and will run until 23:59 on Thursday 16 April 2020.

Read the full guidance here.

3. Senior Traffic Commissioner issues a Statutory Document in response to the COVID-19 outbreak

The document recognises the challenges that the Heavy Goods and Public Service Vehicle industries will face in the coming months and seeks to support it through flexible working practices and a proportionate approach. You can read the brief of what guidance it provides for and advice on here.

Read the full Statutory Document.

4. Coronavirus: £330bn loans available to help the economy

The Government has announced an ‘economic emergency’ by unveiling £330bn in loans and £20bn in other aid for businesses on attractive terms.

More details about the decision here

5. Toilet denial for drivers – RHA & The Health & Safety Executive taking actions.

I cannot believe it has come to this, but I understand that most of the people are afraid of the Covid-19. However, Site Operators have the duty to provide basic facilities to drivers, HSE says: “drivers must have access to welfare facilities in the premises they visit as part of their work”. The RHA said it will take immediate actions otherwise, as it is against human rights. Following their movement, they are asking to display a poster:

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