Convey calls for detail on remote tacho enforcement
Compliance specialist Convey Technology has called for further communication around the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) pilot remote tachograph enforcement scheme.
The DVSA announced in the summer that it had commenced a trial of equipment capable of remotely interrogating elements of the data held by smart digital tachograph head units in vehicles while they were on the move. However, says Convey, since the statement was made in August, very little information has been shared with the industry.
Karen Crispe, commercial director at Convey Technology (pictured, right), said: “We understand from the DVSA that the technology trial hopes to identify potential drivers’ hours offences and target them on the roads, thus leading to less unnecessary roadside stops.
“However, we are yet to learn the full scope of the pilot, namely the duration and the success criteria.”
The DVSA’s’ ability to remotely ‘sense’ the tacho data extends to all vehicles with a smart tachograph, which are now customarily fitted to newly registered vehicles.
Earlier this year, DVSA’s head of regulatory services and transformation, Caroline Hicks, emphasised the agency’s commitment to exploring all available opportunities to help prevent “dangerously tired drivers” from putting themselves and others at risk.
The newly introduced enforcement technique, which has been described as a “screening process”, can enable DVSA staff to discern whether a tachograph card is inserted in the head unit, if it has been subject to tampering, and whether the smart tacho unit is correctly calibrated.
“There are so many compliance and legislative challenges facing operators, that clarity and transparency is vital,” added Karen Crispe.
“We’ve seen temporary and permanent changes to rules introduced over the past 12 months, and there is much more to come for fleet managers in the years ahead.”
