Tad() checking code
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• The first set of guidelines for tachograph analysts will be published later this month.
The code of practice, from the Liverpool-based Tachograph Analysis Association, lays down the "spirit of the legislation" on tachograph checking, says chairman Nigel Kirkwood. The Department of Transport has not officially approved the code, but was consulted on its wording, he adds.
"We wanted to bring all bureaux into line with one interpretation policy," says Kirkwood, whose organisation has 20 members. The actual wording of tachograph regulations leaves open grey areas which the code attempts to clear, he adds. Recommendations it makes include:
CI Driver's name: tacho operators should fill in their full first names and not just initials; El Wrong mode: although the law says selecting the wrong mode is an offence, it is accepted that up to five minutes on the incorrect mode should be overlooked;
El Leaving chart in vehicle more than 24 hours: this too is an offence, but as long as the mode is switched to rest the needle will not over-run the previous day's recording;
CI Continuous trace: regulations
say tacho charts must have a continuous trace but if a vehicle is moved — say in a yard by another driver — when the normal driver is away, it should be treated as duty.
Kirkwood says most trucks in the UK now have their tachograph charts analysed by independent companies — but these bureaux are not necessarily used by most of Britain's transport companies.
And while he says that agencies are the best way hauliers can keep track of their drivers' activities, he admits that operators should not rely on them to spot irregularities.
One major transport operator, Steetley, has been warned by North Eastern Licensing Authority Frederick Whalley that management must always check for speeding on certain types of roads — even if they send their charts to reputable bureaux (see Legal News, page 19).
El Contact the Tachograph Association on 051-709 4704.