The transport industry is facing further changes in European law. From June 15, 2019, every new vehicle performing transport services within the EU will have to be equipped with a so-called smart tachograph. As experts point out, the built-in GPS system and the ability to perform inspections without the need to stop the vehicle are intended to reduce cases of law violations and increase the detection of tampering. What changes must drivers and transport companies prepare for?
Due to the diversity and increasing frequency of tampering used by professional drivers, the European Commission has developed Annex IC to Regulation (EU) No 165/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council, which specifies in detail the construction and use of so-called smart tachographs. As the EU body announces, the proposed changes are intended to limit the possibilities of interfering with the operation of the devices, while simultaneously increasing the detection of tampering during inspections. The obligation to install smart tachographs in all new vehicles will be introduced from June 15, 2019. However, transport companies that are planning to change or purchase new trucks in the near future should already familiarize themselves in detail with the European Commission’s proposals. Knowledge of the planned amendments to Regulation 165/2014 can protect companies from incurring additional costs associated with replacing tachographs in newly purchased vehicles.
– Minimizing tampering is one of the most important challenges facing the transport industry. The introduction of digital tachographs in 2006 was supposed to prevent illegal practices. However, it turned out that digital devices, just like analog ones, are susceptible to external interference. This is confirmed by data published in 2014 by the European Commission, which shows that fraud related to recording working time and rest periods occurs in every third vehicle – notes Małgorzata Stocerz, Key Account and Control Services Manager at INELO, who participates in EC consultations regarding Annex IC.
Vehicle tracking
Smart tachographs are intended to be the next step in the fight against tampering. Any interference with the operation of the devices not only affects the transport industry and the market position of honest carriers but also poses a threat to the safety of other road users. The experience of inspections and control services to date has shown that in order to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of tachographs, further amendments to certain technical elements and the inspection procedures themselves must be introduced.
– The new devices will be equipped with, among other things, GPS location, thanks to which the exact position of the vehicle will be recorded at the start and end of the journey, as well as every 3 hours of driving. Furthermore, there will be the possibility of faster and wireless reading of certain data via a built-in Bluetooth module. Moreover, information transmission will also be available through ITS systems, i.e., Intelligent Transport Systems. Modern devices are part of creating a more sustainable, safe, innovative, and competitive European road sector – says Małgorzata Stocerz.
Inspection without stopping
New-generation tachographs are also intended to increase the effectiveness of roadside inspections. A tool will be made available to inspection and control services that will allow for remote checking of drivers without the need to stop the vehicle.
– Through devices using microwaves, similar to today’s toll collection systems, it will be possible to read necessary data from tachographs without the need to stop the truck. Furthermore, the new smart devices will enable inspections to check the weight of the entire vehicle combination. This will make it easier to detect excessive loads, which significantly affect the condition of roads and threaten road safety. The structure of recorded data will also change in the tachographs, and new certificates will appear, which this time will be issued for a specific period – 15 years. This will force transport companies to replace tachographs in trucks within that exact period – summarizes Małgorzata Stocerz.
As the expert points out, remote inspection will not, however, be equivalent to imposing a ticket or fine on a driver or transport company the moment an irregularity is detected. Based on the data obtained in this way, the competent control authority will be able to check the vehicle more effectively and in more detail, and only then initiate procedures related to imposing appropriate financial penalties.