Are your tachograph records complete?

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Too often the answer is no. A case in point was a small operator I audited this week who operated 3, 44-ton tractor units for major container companies. The owner had been driving one of the vehicles as well as undertaking minor repairs on the vehicle following safety inspections. 

In the absence of any invoices, I checked the owner's tachograph records.  From the number of short days and late starts, it was apparent that he was working on the vehicles in the morning prior to driving or the afternoons after an earlier start. Obviously, this has the potential to impact on daily and weekly rest requirements and driving hours.  

In order to remain compliant under EU or AETR drivers’ hours rules, operators must use an approved tachograph device to record the following:

  • Hours driven
  • Breaks and rest periods
  • Vehicles speed
  • Distance travelled

It is important that any ‘other work’ is also recorded by being manually inputted.

As the owner and a driver, it is YOUR responsibility to ensure these records are complete, if they are not the Traffic Commissioner may consider action against both Operators licence and vocational driving licence and refer the case to the magistrate's court for fines.

 The legal requirements are simple and straight forward. The whole of a driver’s duty period from when they start to when they finish must be recorded on their tachograph record.

Did you know the DVSA have the power to check payroll and clock card records against tachograph records?  

Make sure your tacho records are complete with help and advice from Transport Management Solutions. Our experienced consultants can offer a range of transport management services and advice. For more information on how we can help you please call us now on: 01275 390001 or fill out our contact form and we will be in touch as soon as possible.