The Vehicle Operator Services Agency (VOSA) has enforced further legislation which affects anyone driving a horsebox at weekends. Anyone with a full time job could now be prevented from driving their HGV at weekends.

On 11 April 2007, the Regulations governing drivers’ hours changed, and Council Regulation (EC) No 3820/85 was replaced by Regulation (EC) No 561/2006. Although some of the rules are the same, or broadly similar, some changes have been implemented. This is a brief summary of the new rules.

Drivers' Hours Regulations from 11 Apr 2007

Daily driving

9 hours. Can be extended to 10 hours twice a week.

Weekly driving

A weekly driving time limit of 56 hours is specified in the new rules.

Fortnightly driving

An increasing number of people are travelling to compete at European equestrian events every year. Preparing for the risk of horsebox or horse trailer breakdown or tyre failure, in countries where the language barrier can be a challenge, is essential.

Equine Rescue Services recently supported the charity Help for Heroes by offering free roadside assistance to all participants travelling to and from the Horses4Heroes sponsored ride at Windsor Great Park and Ascot Racecourse on 10th July.

One rider who was really glad of our support was Katie, who told us about her experiences:

A young horsewoman on her way home from the European Junior and Young Rider Dressage Championships was glad to be able to call ERS when her horsebox broke down in Germany.

Samantha Thurman-Baker, 17, who had been competing on her horse Spring Pascal, did very well in the competition, but had trouble with her vehicle on the way back. Luckily, she was able to take advantage of ERS's European Assistance service.

Samantha's dad, Charlie Thurman-Baker, writes:

To increase your vehicle’s safety and minimise risk of break down, ERS is working in partnership with the Freight Transport Association to provide independent HGV inspection services.

The pre-purchase inspection service gives you the advice you need to make an informed purchase on a used horsebox.

The FTA team of over 130 qualified engineers carry out over 2,000 inspections every week. This first class inspection provides expert advice for anyone considering buying a motorised horsebox or getting a conversion.

The British Horse Society, British Equestrian Federation and Horse and Hound magazine are petitioning for drivers of large horseboxes to be excluded from laws over compulsory and prohibitive rest periods.

As our earlier news story, Are you driving legally?, reported, new legislation means that any rider or parent of a rider who has a full-time job, unconnected to their hobby, is not legally able to drive a large horsebox for both days of every weekend.

We are pleased to inform our customers that our prices will NOT be increasing from January 1st, in line with the increase in VAT from 15% to 17.5%.

This is despite the fact that we DECREASED our prices when VAT went down.

We hope that this goes a little way towards making your New Year a happy one!