Smart tacho advice from Aquarius IT
Compliance software provider Aquarius IT has issued guidance on the latest version 2 smart tachographs (Gen2v2), following queries from its clients about the technology.
Despite the reported delays surrounding the supply of the new Gen2v2 tachographs, there are brand-new vehicles that were registered in the UK after 21 August 2023 that have the new smart tachograph fitted, says the firm.
Even though drivers should experience no fundamental differences in functionality, says Aquarius, it has started to receive a few questions from customers who are now employing them.
One of the main queries, according to Marc Caplin, Aquarius’s compliance manager (pictured, right), is about the newly added facility that requires drivers to record loading activities via the tachograph.
“This function was added to the Gen2v2 tachograph following a piece of EU legislation introduced in 2019 which amended EU Regulation 165/2014 – the main article which laid out the main requirement for the smart tachograph prior to its introduction,” he explained.
“It was this original 2014 document that specified the relevant requirements regarding satellite positioning i.e., start and end of shift and once every three driving hours; the update published in 2019 adds to that the further requirement to record the location of the vehicle during loading and unloading activities.
“In light of this, there has been some confusion as to what the driver will be required to do and, in truth, the situation still remains somewhat unclear.”
He continued: “For those few people who were actually aware that this new function exists, the assumption was that these entries would be made via an additional mode that would sit alongside the existing Drive/Other Work/Rest/POA selections, or at least would be easily accessed with the minimum of button-presses.
“Like other third-party providers, Aquarius only managed to gain access to Gen2v2 test equipment during the summer and, in carrying out our own exercises, it would appear that this loading/unloading function is actually somewhat hidden from view!”
There are three possible choices that a driver can make, explains Marc:
- Loading
- Unloading
- Loading & Unloading as a combined activity
“These entries are made by accessing the same area of the tachograph menu that drivers use to enter a ferry/train crossing or to put the tachograph into ‘out of scope’ mode,” he said.
“This means that each time the driver stops to carry out any sort of loading/unloading activity, they would need to do the put the tachograph into ‘Other Work’ mode. The tachograph will then record the vehicle’s location during the activity in question.
“Regardless of which tachograph type is being used, clearly this is not exactly a single-click process. If we consider a driver that is part of a multi-drop operation, the implications of this are clear.
“Under current legislation, it is still a legal requirement to record loading/unloading activities whilst the tachograph is set to ‘Other Work’ mode.
“With regards to the new loading/unloading recording procedure specific to Gen2v2 models as outlined above, there is currently no sanction available if drivers fail to do this.
“However, it remains best practice for drivers to make all necessary records throughout their duty period. It is also worth noting that enforcement around this area may vary across different EU member states so best to err on the side of caution if operating internationally.”
Aquarius IT’s co-founder Guy Reynolds, who is an authority on drivers’ hours legislation and associated digital tachograph compliance, says that in addition to the Gen2v2 supply delays, there is a slight complication with Gen2v2 on UK registered and operated vehicles.
“The new EU legislation specifies that the new Gen2v2 smart tachograph must be fitted to all new vehicles registered from 21 August 2023, so as a consequence of the supply delays, at some point the Gen2v2 will need to be retrofitted to vehicles that have been registered since this date,” he explained.
“However, as we understand it, post Brexit, there is no legislative requirement for UK registered and operated vehicles to fit a Gen 2v2 tachograph. An operator could legally operate a vehicle with a Gen 2 rather than a Gen 2v2 tachograph if the vehicle is only operated in the UK, but if that vehicle was to cross a border into an EU country, it will need to be fitted with a Gen 2v2 immediately.”
