Transport compliance specialist Novadata said operators need to consider training staff for the arrival of smart tachographs next year.
EU regulation 165/2014 requires all new HGVs sold in the UK from 25 June 2019 to be installed with such devices, which allow enforcement vehicles fitted with remote early detection communication readers to read tachograph information remotely.
Novadata chairman Derek Broomfield said: “Transport operators need to ensure their drivers are properly trained to operate tachographs correctly and compliantly, and that there are robust policies and processes in place to manage and record tachograph data.”
Broomfield recommends that holders of a management CPC qualification undertake refresher training and restricted O-licence holders attend an operator licence awareness course before the legislation comes into force, as it will represent a significant shift in detection practice and the policing of transport compliance.
He said: “If you don’t have to be stopped for your tachograph to be checked, any temptation to cut corners or be lax about knowing how to use them correctly should eventually disappear. As a result, safety standards and compliance levels will be raised, as will the professionalism and reputation of the transport industry.”
