Tachographs – taking the time to monitor driver well-being

Failure to comply can result in prosecution, heavy fines and the restriction or loss of the company operator licence. As part of the performance and management of drivers, it is a key responsibility for businesses to keep up to date with all aspects of operational compliance including the EU and GB domestic drivers' hours rules. 

CAPTURING ALL DRIVER ACTIVITY

The Mobility Package, introduced by the EU in August 2020, consists of a revision of UK and international road haulage rules, and provides strict requirements on how tachograph manual entries are recorded for periods not spent within a vehicle. Driver activity includes driving, other work, rest or break time, to allow enforcement of social legislation which in the UK is carried out by DVSA. Whether driving is an individual’s full-time work activity, or they only drive occasionally, when driving within scope of EU drivers’ hours rules, drivers must be able to produce records for the current day and the previous 28 calendar days for enforcement staff when required. 

RAISING AND ACTING ON MEMBERS’ CONCERNS  

Chris Lipscomb, Director of Operations, Logistics UK, said: “Logistics UK raised members’ concerns on the issues this change caused – especially for drivers who may go weeks without doing any in scope driving – and helped to instigate a change for UK drivers. Rather than having to produce a record for each individual day, DVSA will now accept one or more records for the whole week, as opposed to requiring seven daily records (this refers to the UK only).

“Compliance and legislation can, at times, be overwhelming to navigate. Logistics UK recognises that businesses may not have a full understanding of road vehicle compliance and legislation, and therefore offers various tachograph services which provides drivers with a complete bespoke solution to support in both managing and improving compliance.”

SUITE OF SERVICES OFFERS BESPOKE SOLUTIONS

The tachograph services comprises of tachograph analysis, tachograph on-site/remote compliance service and tachograph contract management. These services offer tailored solutions to suit each company size, operational processes and individual needs. 

Tachograph analysis delivers detailed reports highlighting areas for development and provides businesses with immediate access to infringements, which allows for meaningful benchmarking, not only for the individual company but for sector and industry too. Logistics UK also advises on driver digital cards and company cards regarding their correct usage, especially if there are any issues and liaises with the relevant government bodies should the need arise. Furthermore, members are advised on the correct method of recording drivers’ hours and the limits drivers must adhere to. 

PROVIDING BUSINESSES WITH CONTRACT MANAGEMENT 

Logistics UK’s tachograph services can provide businesses with contract management to assist with the set up and roll out of Vision, a platform which allows users to manage driver and fleet compliance via a single portal as well as increase performance and reduce risks, throughout an organisation. Vision will also ensure that company policies and best practices are implemented to ensure a consistent standard of operations and reporting. Logistics UK’s engineers can advise on tachograph sealing and calibration requirements and problems which have arisen from a technical issue. This could include an issue a member has had at annual test, or a roadside enforcement stop. Logistic UK’s on-site and remote service can deliver workshops at businesses’ premises covering drivers’ hours legislation, digital tachographs and Vision familiarisation. 

“Logistics UK continues to improve the on-site compliance reviews, for example the new digitalised reviews that have just been launched,” Lipscomb said, “The latest developments include the option to include pass/fail criteria and more in-depth investigation on compliance with drivers’ hours, working time rules and tachograph regulations. Results will be displayed in brand new screens as well as including a new report which members will have access to download, and a dashboard to compare results over time. With vehicle compliance and regulations constantly being updated, the team at Logisitics UK will continue to keep members informed and provide the resources required.”

*www.logistics.org.uk/tachograph-services

Published On: 03/11/2022 15:45:00

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