DVLA gives out further advice on dealing with faulty cards
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By Christopher Walton THE DVLA HAS given further advice to operators and drivers, after it admitted up to 175,000 faulty tachograph cards were issued between 24 March 2007 and 31 August 2008 (CM 5 April).
When inserted, the faulty cards display a series of error codes on the vehicle unit. The DVLA says it has negotiated with Vosa that no enforcement action will be taken against drivers with malfunctioning cards as long as they continue to follow the usual rules.
Vosa says it has contacted its enforcement counterparts in Europe to ask that the same arrangements be put in place for UK drivers holding these cards.
The DVLA, which is urging people not to call it directly due to the high number of enquiries, has also issued the following advice: • if you have already reported the driver or company card(s) as malfunctioning to the DVLA, either by telephone or by applying for a replacement, you should receive a new card(s) soon. You do not need to take any further action; • if you have not applied for a replacement driver or company card(s) you do not need to take any action. The DVLA will automatically issue a new card(s) to the address shown on their records. If you need to update your address, go to: www.direct.gov.uk/change uiyaddress. Replacement cards will be issued as soon as possible. The DVLA will include a letter with the replacement card(s) explaining what you need to do with your old card; • if your card is due to expire, you will still receive a reminder to renew the card and you should do so in the normal way. You will then receive a new card. Drivers should continue to complete manual records until the start date of that card.
Tachodisc MD Karen Crispe says: “We recommend that suficient supplies of print rolls are issued to drivers. Recommended procedure is for a driver to carry at least one spare roll and one in the machine.”