David Bennett MP
National Party Associate Transport Spokesman

11 September 2007

New PC work-time log-book rules a joke

New work-time and log-book rules affecting agricultural contractors are more PC nonsense from Labour, says National's Associate Transport spokesman, David Bennett.

"The new rules, which come into force next month, require drivers to take rest breaks after five and-a-half hours of continuous work.

"What the Government has failed to take into account in its endless pursuit of political correctness is the impact these rules will have on the agricultural sector.

"Imagine a contractor having to down tools and stop cultivation, harvesting, or bailing a crop when rain is threatening to ruin it, because Labour says so.

"These draconian regulations ignore the practical realities of agricultural contractors' work.

"Safety may actually be compromised as drivers rush to finish work within certain time frames, and inexperienced substitute drivers are employed to fill the gaps.

"The Labour Government needs to explain why it has decided to implement such a nonsensical regime.

"What doesn't need to be explained is the fact that this is yet another case of bureaucracy gone mad."

ENDS

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