Rules governing the length of trousers HGV drivers can wear at the wheel have been relaxed for winter 2011 in anticipation of another disastrously cold spell.
The move is being introduced so that hauliers can distribute food supplies, as well as oil and gas to domestic and agricultural premises and de-icer products to airports without chill Arctic winds blowing freezing snow up their trouser legs and causing frostbite in sensitive areas.
The rules will be relaxed for snow ploughs, gritters and fuel delivery drivers, who had previously only been allowed to wear half masters after a Health and Safety Executive report concluded that over long trousers could catch on brake and clutch pedals and cause accidents.
The Department of Transport said that the measures would be reviewed on a regular basis.
