Logistics UK puts smart tachos in the spotlight

By Categories: Commercial NewsPublished On: Monday 2 November 2020

Logistics UK, formerly the Freight Transport Association, has outlined some of the implications of recently introduced smart tachograph technology.

The updated device includes increased security features and software, with the changes making it hard for individuals to tamper with the devices, says James Firth, head of road freight regulation policy at Logistics UK.

“The inclusion of dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) makes it possible to transmit data at a short distance, which can be accessed by enforcement officers at the roadside, using the appropriate receiving equipment,” he said

“However, this additional interface serves purely as a selection tool to proceed with further inspection; legislation stipulates that penalties cannot be issued solely from the transmitted data and a vehicle must be stopped for enforcement action to be taken.

“Furthermore, the data may not be retransmitted to a central location and, unless needed as evidence to support an infringement, shall be erased within three hours.  It is also important to note that in Great Britain, the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has said it will not be equipping its officers with the necessary equipment to read the signal, for the time being.”

Smart tachographs also include more precise location information and additional speed data as a result of the Global Navigational Satellite System (GNSS), James points out.

“While the unit will constantly receive digital location coordinates, the vehicle’s exact location will only be recorded at the start and end of duty as well as after three hours of accumulated driving. As a result, a maximum of five location stamps are taken during a driver’s legal shift,” he said.

“However, with many short, local distribution routes, the record could simply show the start and finish of the shifts at a depot. This new development will aid enforcement bodies in identifying tachograph fraud as well as providing evidence of when a vehicle entered a country.

“Smart tachographs also allow data to be shared with Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS). This interface allows vehicle data to be shared with other systems such as on-board computers and mobile apps too – a feature that is most commonly used alongside telematics systems.”

James reports that Logistics UK members have responded positively to the transition from old model to new and have found the devices to be both reliable and effective, with initial shortcomings regarding compatibility with old company cards having apparently been addressed.

www.logistics.org.uk