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RHA and Vosa back trials of analogue and digital tachos
Page 8
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A simultaneous test of digital and analogue tachographs should finally reveal if the two devices record time differently. Dylan Gray reports.
TWO HAULIERS are working in conjunction with the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and Vosa to investigate alleged problems caused by the way digital tachographs record time. AJA Smith Transport of Clitheroe, Lanes and Ray Stewart Haulage of Warrington. Cheshire will help the two bodies investigate claims that digitachs over-record hours by rounding up to the nearest minute. Initially one truck from each operator will be fitted with both an analogue and digital tachograph which will be working off the same data feed.
RHA director of policy Jack Semple says:"Both hauliers will be putting the vehicles through a variety of work including trunking operations as well as local collection and delivery work. By taking the data simultaneously it will be exactly comparable."
Throughout the trial, which is expected to run for at least two months, the tachograph data will be constantly available.
Semple adds: "We're keen to work with Vosa in a spirit of co-operation and openness. The trial will let it see the true impact of the digitach,which a lot of our members have been talking about."
Vosa's project leader for digital tachographs. Barry Ricks, has welcomed thetrial:"Theco-operation of these two hauliers in the simultaneous tests of the two types of recording devices is very much appreciated. It will help to inform our view of digital tachographs."
• The RHA has welcomed calls by Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond to make the Forth and Tay bridge; toll-free.
RHA regional director Phil Flanders says: "Such a step would reduce the burden on hard-pressed haulage contractors who face rising fuel taxes, and would be a green initiative.
"It would improve traffic efficiency and reduce vehicle emissions. Stopping drivers to collect charges creates congestion and causes vehicles to burn more fuel."
By 2013 a permanent ban on all trucks is set to come into force on the Forth bridge, which is suffering from worsening corrosion.