Welcome the latest edition of the 24-7 Staffing Drivers Mate Update.
We believe that clear communication, both internally and externally, improves productivity and makes life simple. Being honest about what we can deliver by working together will help us achieve shared goals.
We hope you find this information useful and a member of our specialist driving team would be happy to discuss anything you would like further information on – just ask!
DVSA & VOSA changes this year
Drivers will be fined for older offenses
From Monday 5th March 2018, DVSA traffic examiners will start issuing on-the-spot fines for any drivers’ hours offences committed in the last 28 days.
In a single roadside check, DVSA traffic examiners will issue fines for up to 5 drivers’ hours offences. It means you could be fined up to £1,500 in a single check if you’ve consistently broken the rules.
It won’t matter if the offences took place in Great Britain or elsewhere.
The rules will also apply to drivers who don’t live in Great Britain. However, they’ll need to pay any fines immediately, before being allowed to continue their journey. DVSA will immobilise their vehicle until they pay.
Fines to deter drivers from not resting properly
As well as giving fines to drivers for recent offences, DVSA traffic examiners have started issuing fines to deal with drivers who don’t properly rest.
Lorry, bus and coach drivers must take a 45-hour rest break at least every fortnight.
Since 1 November 2017, DVSA has started to fine drivers up to £300 if they spend their full weekly rest break in their vehicle and may tell you to restart the whole rest break. This will be enforced in situation such as if a lorry driver spends their full break in the cab of their lorry in a layby.
Spending the weekly rest break in the cab can:
- contribute to drivers not properly resting
- expose drivers to poor living conditions
- cause problems in local communities due to Illegal parking, noise and litter nuisance
DVLA changes this year
Digital Driving Licences
Last year a prototype digital driving licence was tested that will sit on your phone or in the Apple Wallet.
The new digital licence will be available from April 2018 and will be used to support the photocard rather than replace it.
Digitising the driving licence seems like a logical step, as more sensitive information is being stored on phones more often.
Learner drivers on the motorway
Among the reforms for learner drivers this year sees the introduction of motorway driving for learners. From 4th June 2018 learner drivers will be permitted on the motorway provided they are in a dual-control car with an approved driving instructor.
Motorway law changes
New laws are being put in place in spring 2018 to stop motorists driving on lanes that are closed.
Smart motorways run on four lanes. In peak periods, automated signs open and close the hard-shoulder to ease traffic at peak times.
Driving in a closed lane is already illegal, but the new law will bring in a new fixed penalty for drivers flouting this rule. This will be monitored by cameras which will catch drivers breaking the speed limit or driving in a closed lane.
Get MOT reminders
Sign up to get free reminders by text message or email when your MOT is due.
You’ll get a reminder one month before your MOT is due. You’ll get another reminder if you still haven’t had your vehicle tested 2 weeks before your MOT is due.
Pension pot doubles in April
You will be aware that all 24-7 Staffing drivers are contracted on PAYE. One of the many benefits of being paid this way is that we pay Workplace pension contributions for you. In April our contribution to your pension doubles from 1% to 2%, further supporting your retirement years!
Interested in taking your HIAB licence?
Contact a member of our specialist driving team to find out more information on this opportunity to add to your driving skills or email driving@24-7staffing.co.uk
Heard about our £100 referral scheme?
Get a £100.00 referral Love2shop reward voucher for recommending a friend to work with us.
