Heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers must be safe on the road and get enough rest during their long working hours. It’s not just a matter of their safety but that of other road users too.

Of course, there are rules and regulations to follow. Any driver that isn’t abiding by new policies and procedures could jeopardise the reputation of your business and sow feelings of distrust toward its public image.

Therefore, HGV drivers must take rest extremely seriously. Here are some tips to help you enforce these measures.

Install Tachograph Analysis Software

Tachograph analysis software stores all the data from the device installed inside HGV vehicles. It monitors the vehicle’s performance and many of the driver’s habits behind the wheel.

Tachographs are required by law as part of road regulations for commercial vehicles. They analyse how often drivers take breaks, and advanced models can even determine which workers are most at risk from fatigue. These systems can be integrated or standalone, and there are analogue, digital, and smart variations of the tech too. Upgrades may be required.

Fortunately, FleetGO can help with all your tachograph analysis software needs in the UK. You can talk to their UK-based specialists, who will help with setup procedures so you can kickstart a free trial immediately. The trial has no obligations or credit card requirements, so you and your drivers can get familiar with the software without added pressure or concerns. Their software gives you intricate insights into driver rest breaks and more and will ensure compliance is being met.

Investigate Funding Boosts

HGV driver rest breaks are a well-known problem. It’s an area that’s sorely lacking in funding and resources.

However, the problem’s growing scale has now drawn key decision-makers eyes. These problems couldn’t persist for long, and now measures are being taken to counter these concerns. HGV drivers should be made aware of the latest developments.

Reports from late 2022 highlighted a £100 million boost in funding to improve HGV roadside facilities that drivers could use to rest and recharge. It comes from a meeting of minds in industry and government, improving the parking and amenities of rest areas and making them safer to use. The hope is that these areas would be so appealing that HGV drivers will find scheduling their well-deserved rest breaks easier when these spaces can better accommodate their needs and have more appeal.

Monitor Law Changes Together

Hardfast rules should always be followed when they’re implemented. That said, the rulebook is often being rewritten, and with good reason!

For example, last year, the UK government ushered in new laws that changed how HGV drivers should operate. You’ll likely be aware of these changes already, as it meant drivers would work nine to ten hours twice a week instead of four. Two weekly rest periods were also introduced, with at least one period of rest of 45 hours in a fortnight.

Consequently, drivers can no longer adapt to a new “alternative permissible pattern of weekly rest periods.” A more robust framework for rest is in place. That said, you and your drivers should keep these regulations in mind and monitor any changes. Discuss the law and how HGV drivers’ obligations extend beyond company policy alone.