'Off duty' explained
Page 45
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Ralph Cropper's concern about the meaning of breaks on and off duty in the goods vehicle driver's record book (CM, Cropper's column, July 14) is unnecessary. The term "break" is used as a convenient and readily understandable abbreviation for "an interval . . . in which [the driver] was able to ,obtain rest and refreshment", (Section 96(2), Transport Act 1968), However, such breaks may be "on duty", when the driver, though having his break, is nevertheless under his employer's direction in some respect, or "off duty", when the driver is entirely free to do as he chooses.
The distinction is necessary for record purposes because the total time on duty and the spreadover are limited by statute.
HENRY L. JAMES, Director of Information. Department of the Environment, London SW?