Concerns have been raised by the Road Haulage Association (RHA) over the extent of the relaxation of how the new drivers' hours rules will be enforced. 

While the RHA acknowledged that a degree of relaxation is welcome under the current circumstances, it warned the Department for Transport against going too far - particularly given the present situation at Calais. 

The trade body states that the extension of the driving day to 11 hours would have been both welcome and proportionate, as drivers should not drive when tired. 

However, the curtailment of the daily rest period is considered ill-judged by the RHA and likely to lead to an increase in exploitation of drivers by unscrupulous companies, as well as a reduction in road safety. 

Other issues raised by the RHA included a lack of detail surrounding the announcement, especially regarding enforceability.