Tacho regs start to pay off: EEC

18th October 1980, Page 19

18th October 1980

Page 19

Page 19, 18th October 1980 — Tacho regs start to pay off: EEC

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E introduction of the tachograph has already begun to show ults and drivers are now paying more attention to the law, said EEC commission in its first assessment of the notorious regula.1 number 1463/70, reports our Brussels correspondent.

-ransport Commissioner hard Burke's view of the hograph is given this week in ;wer to a written question )m Dutch European MP Ilem Albers. He asked ether recording equipment ;d in road transport had come to expectations and if it had to less law-breaking.

Mr Burke recalled that the tachographs had only recently replaced the individual control book for most vehicles covered by the regulation.

Nevertheless, he added that the tachograph had already encouraged conformity with the EEC regulations on drivers' hours and rest periods.

Mr Albers also asked whether the tachograph was used by drivers as a spying device for restricting their personal liberty or as an aid to better working conditions.

Mr Burke replied that although there had been fears about limiting personal freedom the tachograph had "in general" been welcomed by employers and unions.

"The commission has not received any complaints on this account from those who are already using the tachograph," he added.

Mr Albers suggested that the regulation discs may be difficult to read by inspecting officers and he asked if the EEC had received complaints that checking was impossible with the aid of a magnifying glass.

Mr Burke replied the discs can easily be ready visually and magnification was only used in accident analysis.