Truckers are striking over a new EU regulation that would limit the number of hours they can drive.
Truckers across Europe have been striking over a new EU regulation that would limit the number of hours they can drive. The strikes have caused chaos on the roads, as many haulage companies have had to reduce their services. Here’s everything you need to know about the strikes and why they’re happening.
What is happening?
The European Parliament has voted to cap truck drivers’ working hours at 48 per week, which would be reduced to 60 if drivers take a rest period of 11 consecutive hours. This will mean that drivers will not be able to work more than four days in a row and must take at least one day off every week. The current regulations in place allow for drivers to work up to 90 hours per week, but there are exemptions for journeys longer than eight hours.
Why are truckers striking?
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) say that this new regulation will cost UK businesses £1 billion and put 70,000 jobs at risk. They also say it could lead to an increase in road congestion and pollution because of more trucks being on the road.
What is happening now?
The first strike took place on September 4th and saw around 1,000 lorries parked up on the M20 motorway near Maidstone in Kent. More strikes were held later in September and another is planned for October 12th. In total, there have been 14 days of strike action since September 4th.
