A NORTH-EAST MEP is backing plans to give weary lorry drivers more rest periods.

Labour MEP Stephen Hughes, socialist group coordinator on employment and social affairs, steered a report on the issue through the European Parliament.

MEPs have now approved plans to close one of the last remaining gaps in the working time framework laid down in 1993, and set new working hour limits for long-distance bus and lorry drivers.

Mr Hughes said: "We are giving long-haul bus and lorry drivers the right to a 48-hour working week and a new deal on night work and break times.

"Above all, this is a safety measure. At the moment, it's not unusual for drivers to work in excess of 80 hours per week.

"We are curbing excessive driving times, which lead to fatigue and accidents, but drivers leaving the North-East will easily carry out a normal run to the central hub in Birmingham and back within the time allowed."

The new legislation includes provisions for a ten-hour limit on night driving, a half-hour break after six hours and a 45-minute break after nine hours.