Hi-tech meets apathy on tachographs
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t is high time some common se was knocked into the EC hi-tech tacho plans, talks about which have been going on for years (CM 11-17 November page 4 lead story).
Most importantly we need to ask the fundamental question about these devices: "Will they improve compliance with the drivers' hours rules?". The FTA can find no evidence that they will. Greater uniformity on enforcement standards, increased roadside checks combined with targeted enforcement throughout the EC is the way to achieve this.
With this, there should be an F.0 technical protocol allowing smart card technology on a voluntary basis. Provided this gave compatibility with other onvehicle monitoring technology, it would enable those operators who wished, to embrace modern technology for management reasons.
Imposing such devices on other operators, particularly small ones who may not even have a PC, is a nonsense.
There is also the question as to where the enthusiasm for these new devices is coming from. Only six member states bothered to attend the last discussion. JM Guttridge Freight Transport Association External affairs director, Tunbridge Wells, Kent.