Do you know what constitutes a true and accurate record of a driver's working day?
 
The FTA recently highlighted VOSA's clarification regarding periods of time recorded on the tachograph chart. The FTA article was attempting to quell fears that drivers will be prosecuted for not showing at least 15 minutes  ‘other work’ before driving, as evidence that they have completed their ‘walk round’ checks.
 
Rumours have been spreading that drivers will get a fixed penalty if no time is shown on their tachographs prior to driving. What the FTA have clarified is perfectly correct; if  someone else performed the ‘walk round’ check then no ‘other work’ needs to be shown.
However, what the FTA failed to point out is that the information on a tachograph chart or digital card should be a true and accurate record of a driver’s working day. Any time spent at work before a driver inserts their chart or card must be recorded; it is an offence not to do so.

VOSA could issue a fixed penalty of £60.00 to a driver who fails to record on their charts or cards any periods of duty carried out before or after a chart or card was inserted, whether they did the ‘walk round’ check or not.

Story By: Derek Broomfield

Web Link: www.novadata.co.uk

Email Link: info@novadata.co.uk

Date : 30-11-2009