Legal Advice

New Covid testing requirements for hauliers

As of 6th April 2021, all hauliers entering England from abroad (excludes those arriving from common travel area, including Ireland) & who plan to stay for 2 days or longer must now take a coronavirus test. The test must be taken within two days or arrival and every three days thereafter. Free tests will be provided via the Department for Transport's (Dft) Information and Advice sites. For full details on this, including test sites; please follow this link.

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Relaxation of retained EU Drivers’ Hours Rules comes to an end today, 31st March 2021

As part of their actions to help ease stress on the logistics/haulage industry, the Department for Transport (Dft) implemented a temporary relaxation of enforcement action regarding the retained EU drivers' hours, which started on 22nd January 2021 and comes to an end today (31st March 2021) as of 11:59pm. We caution all operators to note this change and to take appropriate steps to ensure both you and your drivers are not caught out by what we at TMC Assist believe will…

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HGV drivers – remember COVID testing facilities open on weekends

The following is taken from an email circular released by the DVSA: I f you are driving to the Port Dover or Eurotunnel  get a  COVID test before arriving in Kent. Test sites are open  7 days a week,  including weekends,  and a negative result is valid for 72 hours  for entry to France.  If you arrive in Kent without a negative COVID test you  risk  delays .    G et a test before or at the start of your…

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HGV drivers – get a COVID test before arriving in Kent

The following is taken from an email circular released by the DVSA: If you’re travelling via the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel you should get a negative COVID test before arriving in Kent. We advise you to get tested before or at the start of your journey – a negative COVID test remains valid for entry to France for 72 hours so you'll have plenty of time. 39 Information and Advice sites across the country offer free testing – head to the closest…

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Changes to the Drivers’ CPC

The following is taken from an email circular released by the DVSA: Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) periodic training is to be monitored by DVSA to ensure drivers are not unnecessarily repeating training as part of the 35-hour requirement. This follows a review of Driver CPC training and recommendations made by the European Commission which the Government has adopted. What this means for drivers DVSA will monitor drivers records to identify periodic training that doesn’t support their professional driver development…

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Hauliers: negative COVID test required before travelling to ports

The following is taken from an email circular released by the DVSA: HGV drivers travelling to or via France must continue to have proof of an authorised negative COVID test, conducted within 72 hours of travelling across the border. Government urges drivers to get an authorised test at an independent site, or one of 34 information and advice sites before travelling to ports. Those using Kent ports are now also legally required to have a Kent Access Permit. HGVs leaving England…

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New processes for hauliers travelling to Ireland

The following is taken from an email circular released by HMRC: Whether you are heading to Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland from ports in Great Britain, there are new processes you must follow. Before travelling to the Republic of Ireland If you’re an HGV driver using a Ro-Ro ferry service to the Republic of Ireland (accompanied or unaccompanied) you need to submit a Pre-Boarding Notification (PBN) to Irish Customs before you leave Great Britain. You are responsible for ensuring you have the…

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The DfT & DVSA grant Temporary relaxation of the enforcement of the EU drivers’ hours rules

In response to the exceptional pressures on the freight industry due to the continued consequences of coronavirus (COVID-19), the Department for Transport has introduced a temporary relaxation of the enforcement of the EU drivers’ hours rules in England, Scotland and Wales for the general haulage of goods in Great Britain. These temporary relaxations apply from 12:01am on 23 December 2020 until 11:59pm on 22 January 2021, subject to review. To read the full details and guides, please follow this link.

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