The temporary relaxation of the rules is due to the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, including the recent highly infectious Omicron variant. This is resulting in increased absence rates and outbreaks in specific workforces including the carriage of goods by road and the supply chains that they are a part of.

More information can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/temporary-relaxation-of-the-enforcement-of-the-retained-eu-drivers-hours-rules-all-road-haulage-sectors-within-great-britain/temporary-relaxation-of-the-enforcement-of-the-retained-eu-drivers-hours-rules-all-road-haulage-sectors-in-great-britain-until-10-february-2022