NEXT GENERATION DIGITAL TACHOGRAPH

Monday, 30 January, 2017 The implementation of “smart tachograph” is currently behind schedule and plans aim for completions by June 2019. Tachograph manufacturers have begun work on the new model, the specification was published earlier this year. As with many technological development there are always hurdles to over come along the way. The most notable problem in this case, is that the encrypted test security keys for the tachograph manufacturers have not yet been issued by the EU authorities. However delivery of these security keys is forthcoming. “It is important to understand again what this latest generation tachograph means to the vehicle operator, because as usual there is a great deal of mis-information. We remember well the 2006/2007 implementation of the first Generation digital tachograph and the rumours around the industry about what the tachograph was going to be able to do.” Guy Reynolds, Director at Aquarius IT Ltd The emphasis on this next generation smart tachograph is much more about providing enforcement officers with improved tools to do their job. Whilst DSVA and the police will not be able to download the vehicle from the roadside, there will be a tool available to them which will allow them to 'blip' the tacho to see if it is in a state of ‘normal’ running. The authorities will get an immediate response as to whether there is a problem or not, in the form of something akin to a red, amber or green signal. So, what would cause a problem or a red signal? - Vehicle being driven without a card - A conflict with the speed source - If the vehicle thinks it is stationary - If the vehicle is currently being driven with a live ‘driving time infringement’ From a driver’s perspective, there is little or no difference in the functionality of the next generation smart tachograph. Similarly, for those diligent operators running a compliant business and working towards a green OCRS score, there really should be no change to their current working practices. For further information contact Aquarius IT on 0330 333 8789