Limited Driving Hours Questioned in UK

Newsdate: Sun, 20 Jun 2010 - 09:00 am
Location: LONDON, England

There may be fresh hope for competitors grappling with EU rules limiting the hours they can drive their horse trailers on weekends. Current regulations require anyone driving a vehicle, or combination of vehicles over a certain weight to limit the time they spend driving horses during weekends.

This is because European law states that the hours spent working during the week — even if your work has no connection with horses or driving — has an impact on the time spent behind the wheel during the weekend.

Transport minister Mike Penning has written to H&H saying he hopes to solve this problem by lobbying for an exemption for equestrians.

A Department for Transport (DfT) spokesman confirmed Mr Penning's letter had been sent.

"The rules on drivers' hours are meant for professional drivers, not people who drive to the station or supermarket and then go out with their horses during the weekend."

About the Author

Flossie Sellers

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As an animal lover since childhood, Flossie was delighted when Mark, the CEO and developer of EquiMed asked her to join his team of contributors.

She enrolled in My Horse University at Michigan State and completed a number of courses in everything related to horse health, nutrition, diseases and conditions, medications, hoof and dental care, barn safety, and first aid.

Staying up-to-date on the latest developments in horse care and equine health is now a habit, and she enjoys sharing a wealth of information with horse owners everywhere.

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