BBC: Tachograph Tampering Report
The BBC have reported that Britain’s main road regulator found more than 440 lorries that crossed into the UK had manipulated tachographs.
In addition, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) estimates that another 400 drivers were cheating the system, using ‘interrupter’ technology which switched off their tachographs. But unfortunately, they weren’t able to prove this conclusively. This figure was reached during 223,000 roadside checks performed between April 2016 and March 2017.
A spokeswoman for the DVSA said:
“The results of falling asleep at the wheel of 44-tonne lorry can be devastating to families and communities,”
“Anything that means a driver can drive tired and we might not know about it or stop it is a worry. That’s what we are here for, to keep the roads safe.”
The checks found that there was a 21% increase in drivers who had manipulated tachographs versus that very same period in 2015/2016.
The ‘interrupters’ are being mainly used by drivers who cross into the UK from Europe.
One of the worst findings was in North Wales, where the DVSA discovered a driver from Bulgaria with a manipulated tachograph and had driven for 23 hours non-stop.
There is an added danger because the interrupters disable a lorry’s advanced braking systems and speedometers when they are being used.
The Department for Transport added there were 400,000 HGVs licensed in the UK at the end of 2016 and estimates there are 20,000 foreign registered HGVs in the UK at any given time.
Trade bodies and Road Transport Unions say hauliers will take the risk in getting caught with amended technology despite that fact could end up with a fine of £5000 and possible imprisonment.
Freightlink came to Stoneridge Electronics to discuss this. Thanks to our Duo technology, drivers who use the SE5000 see less infringements with their tacho than many others.
Duo technology in the SE5000 Exakt Duo2 provides count down updates on driving and rest times to help drivers plan their journeys. Real-time data is available for the traffic officer/planner, so the driver can make informed decisions and stay the right side of legislation.
“We examined data from 108 drivers over 90 days of similar driving with and without Duo technology, we found up to a big 60% reduction in infringements – the kind of results that would put a smile on any operators face.” Amanda Robertson, VP Aftermarket Sales Stoneridge Electronics
And with fewer infringements, you’ll enjoy noticeable reductions in the fines you face – saving your business valuable cash. In addition, Stoneridge provides OPTAC3 tachograph analysis software. A cost effective solution that helps you stay compliant with the latest regulations. Suitable for all fleet sizes, and with over 40 different driver and vehicle reports, we help keep you legal.
This article was produced in conjunction with Freightlink solutions.
www.freightlink.co.uk/knowledge/articles/truck-tachograph-tampering-sees-21-increase
Freightlink® are a leading European freight ferry ticket agent covering more than 550 ferry routes connecting more than 40 countries to couriers, hauliers, manufacturers and many other businesses – large & small – across the continent. If you need a Freight ferry, contact them today and quote ‘Stoneridge’ for an even better rate.
Source Credit; BBC www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-41361351
