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As with
all
bus and coach companies we are legally obliged to comply
fully with
the European driver's hours regulations. This is for your
safety.
IMPORTANT: We would like to emphasise that we offer a
totally flexible service within the terms of the drivers
hours regulations which give plenty of scope for a full days
service each day.
We take our responsibilities and your safety very seriously
and certainly do not want your trip compromised in any way.
Unlike many of our competitors, we always like to be totally
transparent in advance on all matters so there are no
surprises on the day.
If you are making a booking on behalf of a group, then it is
your responsibility to bring the drivers hours regulations
to the attention of the group.
The drivers hours regulations can be quite complex but the general rules
are as follows:
Drivers can drive for a maximum of 4.5 hours without taking
a break. A minimum break of 45 Minutes must then be taken.
(this break can also be taken in a block of 15 and 30
minutes in this order over the course of the 4.5 hours)
The maximum driving hours per day is 9 hours over a
maximum 13 hour working day* (Waiting
time and breaks are included as part of the drivers working
day)
*Please note that the drivers working day is calculated from
the moment he takes over his vehicle to when he is finally
parked up/finished at the end of his shift/day. His working day
does not start/finish when he collects/drops his group.
Most importantly a driver must take a daily overnight rest of 11
consecutive hours away from the vehicle.
This means that
whatever time your driver fully finishes for the day
regardless of how many hours he has worked, the very
earliest he can drive the next day will be 11 hours later.
(Please allow extra time for the driver to get to/from
his base/lodgings, re-fuel
and prepare/clean the coach, etc for the next day)
The drivers working week is normally 5
consecutive days but this can be
extended to 6 consecutive days under certain conditions. It
is also possible for a driver under strict limited
conditions to do up to 12 days consecutive touring with the
same group if your tour goes outside of The Republic of
Ireland (This includes Northern Ireland)
In brief, please plan ahead to ensure
1. Your driving time does not exceed 9 hours in any
24 hours
2. Your drivers day including driving, waiting time, breaks
and all other duties does not exceed
13 hours
3. The driver's overnight rest requirements of 11 hours are adhered to in
full.
Under limited conditions a drivers driving hours can be
increased to 10 hours in a day and the drivers working day
can be increased to 15 hours with the overnight rest reduced
to 9 hours. We would be happy to discuss these options with
you should the need arise.
For more details see:
Drivers Hours
http://www.rsa.ie/Documents/Tachograph_Enf/Drivers_Hours.pdf
12 Day Rule
http://www.rsa.ie/Documents/Tachograph_Enf/Information note
on 12 day rule.pdf
The drivers hours rules generally do not present any problems
using some forward planning. It
would be rare that a group would want to spend so
many hours of actual driving time in one day.
With some simple forward planning you can utilize your
bus/driver to best suit your plans.
For touring groups pubs, restaurants and evening
entertainment would usually be on your doorstep in the evening so you would not
require the services of your coach/driver at night. However if you do
please bear in mind the
drivers overnight rest requirements.
The regulations are very much common sense and are enforced
to ensure your safety which is paramount.
Your safety is our top priority
From
the moment the driver starts his day all his/her movements
are recorded by a tachograph fitted on the vehicle. This
records the start/finish date, time & mileage, driving time,
distance travelled, speed, other driver dutioes and breaks/rest time.
Records are held for up to 13 months and a driver/company
can be prosecuted anytime on this evidence. A
driver/company who does not comply with the regulations could face a
stiff fine and even imprisonment. Your trip could also come to
an abrupt end at a routine Police checkpoint. |
