Coronavirus Northern Ireland: Drivers’ hour’s rules relaxed during Covid-19 | Latest Newry News, Newry Sport and Newry Business for Newry City

Coronavirus Northern Ireland: Drivers’ hour’s rules relaxed during Covid-19

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has confirmed that domestic drivers’ hours legislation has now been temporarily relaxed to enable retailers to deliver food and vital supplies to customers.

Speaking to Newry Times, Minister Mallon said, “In addition to the recent changes I made regarding deliveries to supermarkets and shops, I am now relaxing drivers’ hour’s rules for home deliveries until 2 April, enabling the community, those having to stay indoors, work remotely or self-isolate to get supplies delivered to their door. 

 

 

“I will be keeping the situation under constant review and will ensure measures are taken to extend the relaxation further if required.

“Deliveries can include food, non-food (personal care and household paper and cleaning), over the counter pharmaceuticals and other essential items being delivered directly to consumers’ homes.

“I am of course mindful that at all times safety is paramount and employers remain responsible for the health and safety of their employees and other road users and drivers should not be expected to drive whilst tired.”

 

 

The Minister has also written to councils to make it clear that they should not take unnecessary enforcement action against public houses, restaurants and cafes operating takeaway services during the coronavirus crisis.

Minister Mallon continued, “I am committed to doing everything I can to support people, businesses and communities through this very difficult time. 

“These measures will provide vital flexibility to public houses, restaurants and cafes to keep operating and will ensure people are able to safely stay at home while still supporting local businesses. 

 

 

“It is important at this time that we all work together to make changes where we can to assist in the fight against COVID-19 and my Department will continue to work with local businesses to address any issues that emerge,” she added.

The measures will apply to food and drinks which are also subject to other regulatory regimes including existing licensing laws for the serving of alcoholic drinks.

 

Keep up to date with all the latest Northern Ireland Coronavirus / Covid-19 news HERE

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Posted by on Mar 23 2020. Filed under Community, Coronavirus. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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