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23.9.19
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SPECIAL DELIVERY: Scania (GB) has launched a special edition truck to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its V8 engine. The limited run of 25 S-series Highline tractor units will be available in 2-axle or 3-axle versions and will be individually numbered. In addition to the usual V8 package, they will incorporate a range of unique features including a distinctive livery in a choice of three different anniversary colours – ruby red, arctic silver and sapphire blue – anniversary logos on the rear mudflaps and wheel hubs, and exclusive puddle lamps. The entire special edition run has already sold out.
DVSA declining to develop the technology required and says results do not justify the expense
Roadside smart tacho checks too costly EXCLUSIVE By Carol Millett
A move to cut thousands of hours of unnecessary HGV roadside spot checks could be delayed by years after the DVSA declined to invest in the technology needed to read smart tachograph data. Under new EU regulations, operators are mandated to ensure all new trucks are fitted with smart tachographs from 15 June this year. Unlike digital tachographs, smart tachographs can communicate remotely with roadside enforcement officers, allowing them to remotely check tachograph data without stopping the vehicle. This could cut unnecessary roadside checks by thousands of hours. Last year, the DVSA performed 89,568 drivers’ hours checks and issued 4,759 prohibitions. However, the DVSA is declining to develop the technology required to remotely monitor that data, arguing the results do not justify the expense at present. Under the regulations the agency does not have to roll out the technology until 2034. DVSA head of enforcement
FTA head of licensing and compliance James Firth said: “The regulations allow enforcement agencies another 15 years to install this technology, so no one is in a hurry to do that. “However, the technology is not entirely wasted, as smart tachographs are more secure and its global positioning data and third speed trace will help officers better detect cabotage and driver hours infringements.” policy Gordon MacDonald told MT this week: “Our enforcement staff already have a number of tools to effectively target tachograph manipulation and drivers’ hours offences. These tools mean it’s not effective or proportionate to invest large sums in developing the technology needed to communicate with smart tachographs from the roadside for enforcement purposes. He added: “The technology will remain under consideration as smart tachographs enter more common usage.” RHA head of licensing and infrastructure policy Tom Cotton
said the DVSA’s decision was “extremely disappointing”. He added: “Our members have invested in this technology to become compliant with these new regulations, so why is the DVSA not prepared to show the same commitment?” Referring to a series of recent IT problems at the DVSA that prevented hauliers from paying their vehicle excise duty and uploading Driver CPC records, Cotton added: “Clearly the DVSA needs to invest much more in their technology rather than relying on outdated systems.”
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