Seamus Leheny, FTA Policy Manager - Northern Ireland

Seamus Leheny

Policy Manager - Northern Ireland. Freight Transport Association

A STEP FORWARD IN THE FIGHT AGAINST TIRED DRIVERS

Earlier this year, we saw the biggest change in tachograph regulation in more than 12 years: the mandatory introduction of smart tachographs in all new vehicles. Developed to foster greater compliance with the drivers’ hours rules and reduce administrative burden, the updated models have a host of new features, including increased security and satellite positioning data. In this column, I will share an overview of the new devices and reflect on how smoothly the transition process has been for drivers, operators, manufacturers and workshop staff alike.

In my view, smart tachographs herald a new era in the fight against businesses turning a blind eye to lorry drivers operating vehicles while fatigued. Enforcement agencies across Europe face a constant battle against those who would try to compete unfairly by driving beyond the legal maximum hours. The smart tachographs are designed to ensure drivers are complying with drivers’ hours rules by making it very difficult for individuals to tamper with the devices. The most important feature of the new tachograph is the introduction of satellite positioning data. The device takes a Global Navigational Satellite System (also known as GPS) reading at start and end of duty and every three hours of accumulated driving. This will expand the enforcement role of tachographs to establishment rules, such as cabotage, in addition to monitoring compliance with the drivers’ hours rules. Other security features include a new Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) interface; sealing requirements; and Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC). I think the transition process from the old model to the new has been relatively smooth. Our members have not reported any problems

with the devices themselves, telling us they are reliable and effective. And I think many drivers will not even notice the change; the new models look identical to their predecessors and drivers do not need to replace their tachograph cards. But while the transition process on the whole has been painless, there have been some notable bumps in the road. Firstly, many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) struggled to meet the implementation date – 15 June 2019 – due to a delay in the new system coming to market. Secondly, many operators who ordered vehicles with complex builds during the period between availability and mandatory fitment faced serious setbacks. Tachographs are fitted in the same stage as the chassis is built, but this stage in a vehicle’s construction can take place several months before a vehicle is registered.

Cost Concerns

Our members have also found the cost of retrofitting vehicles to be prohibitive and the supply-side has faced notable challenges in sourcing the fitments. While other EU member states have found solutions to these problems, I am disappointed the Department for Transport (DfT) has not found a similar workaround for UK operators. It is worth noting here that while there is no requirement to retrofit the devices into older vehicles in the UK, all vehicles crossing international borders must have a smart tachograph by June 2034 – whether retrofitted or as part of a new vehicle. Finally, the first batch of workshop cards issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) did not work, but this was rectified quickly and efficiently; I hope the agency learned its lesson and improved the process for the driver card roll out. While I believe smart tachographs are an important step forward in the fight against drivers operating vehicles when tired, I do refute claims previously made by the European Commission that they will deliver businesses huge savings. In 2014, when the legislation was made, the European Commission claimed the smart tachographs will save logistics businesses a total of EUR 500 million through increased efficiencies; this simply is not true. For those working under drivers’ hours rules but do not leave the UK, the new devices will save them one button press a day, which does not translate into the massive savings claimed. While our members have reported some bumps in the road, the introduction of the new devices has, on the whole, been a relatively smooth process for operators, drivers, manufacturers and workshop staff alike.

Dublin’s Toga Freight Services Signs Exclusive Deal

Toga Freight Services Ltd, the long-established International Freight Forwarders based in Dublin, have announced a major deal with German Logistics company Loxx Logistics GmbH.

The exclusive collaboration between Loxx and Toga will see the Irish firm’s “groupage” collections from across Germany, Eastern Europe, Russia and many other areas being collected locally by the Loxx partner network and “trunked” to the Gelsenkirchen hub on a daily basis. From there, this cargo is consolidated with all other Ireland-bound goods from the wider Loxx Group and partner network and shipped directly to the Toga Distribution Centre in Dublin, avoiding the UK. The goods are then distributed in Ireland via Toga’s own Irish delivery partner network which comprises 15 satellite depots and over 300 trucks and vans. Martin Gately, Founder and Managing Director of the Toga Group, commented: “The chaos surrounding Brexit has opened the door for us to explore numerous opportunities both inside and outside the UK. We have spent a lot of time recently advising our UK clients regarding Brexit and the future for UK to EU trade, but we have also been approached by numerous companies from Europe who are trying to avoid the UK in their supply chains. Whilst Brexit is causing huge uncertainty and concern to many companies, we are proud to have provided logistics solutions to some and operational guidance to many others.”

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