Tachodisc In The News
Legal Updates from www.asktachodisc.co.uk October 2009
VOSA Updates
Digital Tachograph Fitment for Light Passenger Carrying Vehicles
VOSA has supported vehicle operators through approving ‘mechanical adaptor’ installations for a number of light vehicles. These adapters require the motion sensor to be located either in the differential housing or utilise an intermediate adapter device between the gearbox and the motion sensor.
On 24th July 2009 European Commission EC Regulation 68-2009 came into effect. This allows the use of type approved electronic adapters to be fitted to M1 Category vehicles put into service for the first time (i.e. registered) between 1st May 2006 and 31st December 2013. (Category M1 vehicles are used for the carriage of passengers and comprising no more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat.) This option may only be used on vehicles for which there is no mechanical adaptor accepted.
Digital Tachograph Fitment into Limousines
As limousines generally do not fall into the M1 category, VOSA has worked with a number of engineering companies and tachograph manufacturers to accept mechanical adaptors to allow limousine operator’s to fit digital tachographs into their vehicles, work to find alternative options is still ongoing. Information regarding type approved electronic adaptors or mechanical fitments are available by contacting your local VOSA Approved Tachograph Centre.
Working Time Gets Reviewed
VOSA’s enforcement role is changing
A recent review was undertaken of VOSA’s responsibility for the enforcement of the Road Transport Working Time Regulations. Ministers have now agreed that as well as responsibility for investigating complaints, Traffic Examiners will also:
• Establish awareness of the Road Transport Working Time Regulations
• During visits to operator premises, assess the effectiveness of the systems in place for compliance.
Examiners may respond to breaches in regulations in a range of ways. For minor issues, improvements can be advised. Ignoring this advice or more serious or systematic abuse would result in the issue of an improvement notice. In situations where it is considered that a practice is likely to be dangerous to employees’ health and safety, a prohibition notice may be issues.
In cases where an improvement or prohibition notice is issued, a report will be submitted to the Traffic Commissioner.
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