Periods of Availability (PoA) play a crucial role in the working time regulations for LGV (Large Goods Vehicle) drivers, especially in ensuring compliance with driver hours rules. In this blog, we will explore what a Period of Availability is, its characteristics, how it differs from other working times, and why it is important to record it accurately.
What is a Period of Availability (PoA)?
A Period of Availability (PoA) refers to a designated waiting time during which an LGV driver must be available for work but is not actively driving or performing other duties. Employers must notify drivers about this waiting time in advance, which can include situations such as waiting at a delivery or pick-up point, at border crossings, or during vehicle maintenance.
The main feature of a PoA is that the driver must know the duration of the wait before it begins, which distinguishes it from periods of unanticipated waiting time. During a PoA, the driver doesn’t have to remain in the vehicle but must be free to take care of personal matters, such as relaxing, reading, or taking a break, as long as safety and security rules permit.
The driver must also switch the tachograph control to the “rectangle” symbol to indicate that it is a PoA. This ensures the recording is accurate, distinguishing it from driving, working, breaks, or rest periods.
Examples of Periods of Availability
Here are some examples of situations in which a driver might experience a Period of Availability:
- The employer notifies the driver in advance that they need to wait for a specified time before loading or unloading at a depot.
- The employer informs the driver of a delay in advance, such as waiting at a border crossing or due to equipment failure at a delivery point.
- The driver arrives early at a delivery location and learns that unloading cannot happen until the scheduled time.
Distinguishing PoA from Breaks and Rest Periods
It is important to understand the difference between PoA, breaks, and rest periods, as people often confuse them.
Breaks
These are mandatory periods when drivers must take time off from driving. For example, after driving for 4.5 hours, the driver must take a 45-minute break. This break time does not count as a PoA.
Rest Periods
These are longer periods during which the driver is fully off duty. For instance, the driver must take at least 11 hours of daily rest, which cannot overlap with a PoA.
On the other hand, a PoA is a waiting period during which the driver is available to work but is not actively driving or other duties. It is not working time but recording it correctly is a must.
Recording PoA Using a Tachograph
To ensure compliance with driving and working time regulations, drivers must record their PoA accurately. When a PoA occurs, the driver must set the tachograph to the appropriate mode to indicate this period.
The tachograph switch for period of availability is typically a square symbol with a diagonal line. The driver must ensure that they use this mode whenever they are in a period of availability so that the time gets distinguished from other activities, such as driving or working.
It is also important to note that PoA time does not count toward the total working hours for the day. As a result, drivers can legally extend their shift by having PoA periods without violating their driving time limits.
How PoA Helps HGV Drivers Manage Working Hours
PoA offers flexibility. HGV drivers can remain available for work without counting that time toward their daily or weekly driving limits. This flexibility can help manage situations such as delays or waiting times at a depot or border crossing while staying within the legal limits of driving hours.
Why is PoA Important for HGV Drivers?
PoA allows drivers to manage waiting times without affecting their overall working time limits. These waiting periods are often unavoidable, but by logging them correctly as PoA, drivers avoid the risk of breaching the working time regulations. It provides a legal way for drivers to wait while remaining compliant with regulations.
Conditions for a Valid PoA
To properly record a PoA on the tachograph, drivers must meet the following conditions:
- The employer must inform the driver in advance of the likely duration of the wait.
- The driver must be permitted to leave their workstation during the waiting time, though they may choose to remain with the vehicle.
- The driver must remain available to answer any calls to resume driving or other work during the PoA.
These conditions are key in distinguishing PoA from other types of time, such as break periods or working time. UK government gives clear instructions on these conditions here.
Common Scenarios for PoA
Several situations commonly involve a PoA, such as:
- Scheduled Deliveries: The driver arrives at a depot early for a scheduled delivery and must wait for an allotted time, which is known in advance. The driver can log this waiting time as PoA.
- Vehicle Maintenance: The driver arrives at work but is told the vehicle is undergoing repairs, leading to a known wait time. The driver can record this as PoA for the duration of the wait.
- Breakdowns: When a vehicle breaks down and the driver learns how long it will take for recovery, they can log the waiting time as PoA.
These are all instances where the driver knows the waiting time in advance and remains available for work during the waiting period.
FAQs
Yes, if the driver can use the PoA time for recuperation, they can take a break. However, the driver must record the break time separately, using the break symbol on the tachograph.
No, PoA does not count as working time. This is one of its key advantages, as it allows drivers to extend their workday without breaching driving time regulations.
No, if the driver does not know the duration of the wait in advance, they must record the waiting time as “other work,” not PoA.
If the employer asks the driver to perform work, such as yard duties, during a PoA, the driver must record this time as “other work,” and the PoA mode should no longer be in use.
Conclusion
Drivers must understand Periods of Availability (PoA) to remain compliant with working time regulations while managing their working hours effectively. PoA offers a legal way for drivers to manage waiting times without affecting their driving limits, allowing for greater flexibility in their daily routine. By recording PoA accurately using a tachograph, drivers can ensure they stay within the law while making the most of their available time.
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