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Spellar: smart card tachos on track for launch in May 2004

4th April 2002, Page 7
4th April 2002
Page 7
Page 7, 4th April 2002 — Spellar: smart card tachos on track for launch in May 2004
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W The government is backing European Commission plans to introduce digital 'smart-card' tachographs by 2004. despite a number of unresolved issues surrounding their use.

According to Transport Minister ,lohn Speller, publication of the final technical specification by the European Commission is due this May, with the first new vehicles scheduled to be fitted with them 24 months later. But the government has yet to consult with the industry over potential problems with the new technology.

In response to a parliamentary question from Gwyneth Dunwoody, MP for Crewe and Nantwich, Spellar said: "To date, no representations have been made about the vulnerability of data to fraudulent manipulation. The regulation lays down strict security requirements and provides that Type Approval may not be granted until the

whole system has demonstrated its capacity to resist attempts to tamper with or alter the data."

There are also concerns over the replacement of tachograph charts with smart cards arid whether these will prove tamper-proof. Hypothetically, a driver could fail to insert a smart card when driving, claim to have lost it and then continue

driving for up to 15 days before receiving a replacement.

However there are calls for their swift introduction, even though these questions still remain. A spokesman for the Freight Transport Association says: "It is as secure as any computer system is. Like anything, it can be manipulated, but all systems can. The sooner it happens, the better"


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