If anyone could expand on this via comments. I should think the Taxi trade would be interested as most drivers seem to know very little about it or the implications of this becoming law Supposedly on the 23 March 2009.

The scope of this Directive covers mobile workers employed by transport undertakings established in an EU Member State. It also covers workers of crews of vehicles engaged in international road transport.

The Directive will apply to self-employed drivers from 23 March 2009, subject to recommendations by the Commission.

The Directive defines “working time” as the time from the beginning to the end of work during which the mobile worker is at his workstation, at the disposal of the employer and exercising his functions or activities. Activities include: driving; loading and unloading; assisting passengers boarding and disembarking from vehicles; cleaning and technical maintenance; all other work intended to ensure the safety of the vehicle etc.

In terms of the maximum weekly working time, the Directive specifies that the average working time may not exceed 48 hours. This may be extended to 60 hours only if, over a four month period, an average of 48 hours a week is not exceeded.

The Directive allows a maximum of six consecutive hours of work without a break. The break should last at least 30 minutes if working hours total between six and nine hours and at least 45 minutes, if working hours total more than nine hours. Night work shall not exceed ten hours in each 24 hour period and compensation must be given in accordance with national legislation.

Lastly, Member States shall put in place a system of penalties for breaches of the national provisions adopted.