HGVs are currently banned from driving on motorways and main roads in the Czech Republic on Sundays and public holidays between 1pm and 10pm.
However, the Czech Government is now discussing the possibility of extending the ban with additional hours on Fridays and Saturdays during the summer holidays, according to local press reports.
However, the proposal by MP Stanislav Blaha also includes a relaxation of some of the restrictions.
“The proposal is aimed at improving the working conditions of truck drivers by allowing them to unload goods in the Czech Republic even during the driving ban and then drive to the driver’s residence or the carrier’s headquarters or plant without the cargo,” said Blaha, as quoted by novinky.cz.
Critics of the plan say that since the proposal only states the driver’s place of residence, it would be very difficult to check where the driver is going with the truck.
The Czech Government’s economic committee has already recommended approval of the proposal, which has passed its second reading and is awaiting final approval.
Photo by Martin Vorel