I am writing to GMB members to confirm that VOSA and the
Department of Transport have confirmed that VRS vehicles will be classified
as specialised breakdown vehicles, providing they operate within a 100
kilometre radius of their base; that would mean that the base would be you
home in the case of RSS Patrols.
So long as the vehicles, when exceeding a maximum plated
weight of 3.500 kgs, are not used outside a 100 kms radius of their base,
then a tachograph will not be required and they will not come within scope
of the EC Drivers' Hours regulations.
It is however, recognised that only a Court of Law can
make final decisions on these matters and it is possible that a decision by
either a British Court or the European Courts of Justice could affect the
status of these vehicles in respect of this particular exemption.
It is unfortunate we may have to rely on the Courts to
decide on such a fine line which may have a detrimental effect on many
staff.
