Making operators absolutely liable for all offences committed by their drivers is unacceptable and unworkable, the Freight Transport Association has told the Department for Transport which is consulting on amended EU drivers’ hours rules from 11 April.
One provision concerns the liability of operators for infringements committed by drivers. Currently, the law allows for a reasoned defence. However, the FTA says, the wording is being interpreted in such a way that operators will effectively assume absolute liability for all offences committed by their drivers.
