Explanatory note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations provide that:

(a)

Part VI of the Transport Act 1968 (Drivers Hours) applies to a vehicle defined as such in Article 1 of Council Regulation (EEC) 3820/85 (OJ No. L370, 31.12.85, p.1) as long as it is not a vehicle which would also come within Article 4 of that Regulation. The effect of this measure is that the definitions covering goods vehicles in the European Union and British legislation are now compatible so that in all cases enforcement of a breach of a requirement in the EU Regulations, including the case of a vehicle without a fitted tachograph drawing a trailer carrying another vehicle, will be possible in Great Britain.

(b)

vehicles used by health service bodies defined in these Regulations to provide ambulance services or to carry staff, patients, medical supplies or equipment, shall be exempt from Council Regulation (EEC) 3820/85 (EU Drivers Hours Rules) (except for Article 5) and Council Regulation 3821/85 (OJ No. L370, 31.12.85, p.8) (EU Tachograph Rules).