16-08-05 Delays to the introduction of the Digital Tachograph
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Mr. David Jamieson) has announced that the Government will allow industry more time to introduce digital tachographs in the UK.
The deadline for the introduction of the digital tachograph is 5 August 2004. This deadline cannot be met because no digital tachograph has yet been type approved. This is an EU-wide issue — all member states are placed in a similar position.
The Government remains committed to the introduction of digital tachographs but after informal consultation with the industry it has been have decided that:
- The UK will not enforce the fitting of digital tachographs to all new vehicles subject to the EU drivers' hour’s rules from August 2004.
- We will continue to work with the European Commission and other EU Member States to agree a new date for the fitting of digital tachographs to all new vehicles. This date is unlikely to be before June 2005.
- Between August 2004 and the new date, vehicles used within the scope of the EU drivers' hours rules must be fitted either with analogue tachographs or, when they become available, digital tachographs but the latter will not be compulsory until the new deadline.
- The DVLA, who will issue the four types of smart card associated with digital tachographs, remain on-track to be able to issue cards in good time for the introduction of digital tachographs. A decision when to commence the issue of cards will be taken in the light of the availability of digital tachographs.
Since that announcement was made, the Vice President of the European Commission has said that the Commission would be issuing a letter confirming that a moratorium of between eight and twelve months would be granted for the compulsory fitting of digital tachographs. During that time, the Commission would not take infraction proceedings against any Member State for non-enforcement of the fitting of digital tachographs. The letter would also contain information on transitional measures to avoid distortion of competition.
What does this mean to you?
You’ve had the official line what does this mean for you in practice.
- Basically the status quo remains. If your operation falls within scope of the EC Drivers Hours rules, from the 5th August you will continue to be allowed (until notified otherwise) to buy and use a vehicle with a “normal” analogue tachograph fitted.
- The first digital tachograph is due to be type approved by the end of May 2004
- The UK Tachograph Smart Cards to be produced by DVLA will also be type approved at the end of May and DVLA will be able to issue smart-cards in good time to meet industry requirements. An announcement about application procedures for cards will be made nearer the time that digital tachographs become available.
- It is understood that a lead time of up to 12 months or more may be required following type approval before some vehicle manufacturers will be able to ensure fitment of tachographs on their production lines. However as digital tachographs become commercially available you will be able to buy and use vehicles installed with them and have them fitted to existing vehicles if you so require.
- Whether you use an analogue or digital tachograph you will still be required to adhere to the drivers’ hour’s regulations which will continue to be enforced by VOSA. To clear up any confusion there are no changes to the drivers’ hour’s rules so the same standards are to be maintained.
- VOSA are committed to keeping you informed and updated of any changes in the situation particularly regarding the revised date for the mandatory fitment of digital tachographs. We will place regular articles and updates in the various trade publications (inc. Moving On) and will continue to keep our web-site www.digitaltachograph.gov.uk updated with the latest position.
Page last updated: 03/10/2006