ROBERTSON REASSURED OVER DRIVERS RULES RELAXATION

ROBERTSON REASSURED OVER DRIVERS RULES RELAXATION

SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson MP has welcomed a commitment from the Department of Transport to continue as necessary the relaxation of EU drivers’ hours and working-time rules for those hauliers involved in the distribution of de-icer products direct to airports across the UK. The Westminster Government brought in a temporary relaxation of enforcement after an urgent appeal by the Moray MP last Friday. The derogation applies immediately until 23:59 today (Monday) but may be continued if necessary.

Mr Robertson stepped in after being contacted by Ballindalloch based haulage firm A&F Grant who needed to secure a temporary exemption from the rules if they are to get a crucial delivery of anti-freeze to airports across the Highland’s and Islands. The airports – at Inverness, Aberdeen, Sumburgh, Kirkwall, Stornoway, Benbecula and Kinloss - could have closed without the emergency exemption and could have grounded the air ambulance fleet.

Mr Robertson raised the issue again today following a statement on the severe weather in the House of Commons. Speaking after his exchange with Transport Minister Sadiq Khan, Mr Robertson said:

“Anti-freeze deliveries to airports and heating oil deliveries to homes and businesses are vital in the north of Scotland and I am encouraged by the Minister’s commitment to continuing this relaxation if necessary. The weather remains of concern and so we must have flexibility to ensure that hauliers are not held back from making lifeline deliveries.

“We are still experiencing the effects of exceptional weather conditions and the UK Government must follow the example of the Scottish Government and do everything it can to keep the country moving.”