EU-backed smartcard system aims to improve safety

All new heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) will be fitted with smartcard-enabled digital recording devices from next month, in line with European Commission requirements confirmed last week.

Digital tachographs recording data such as driving times and the duration of rest stops will supersede analogue systems that rely on daily waxed-paper cards.

Drivers will need a smartcard issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency that will hold 28 days’ worth of records. Vehicle inspectors will be able to download a lorry’s annual history from the on-board unit.

The EU scheme aims to improve safety by recording a larger amount of data and giving enforcement agencies an overview of longer periods of activity rather than only one day at a time.

Digital tachographs were scheduled to be introduced in 2004, but the Commission agreed to delay the deadline because the technology was not ready.

Haulage groups are concerned that the 1 May deadline for mandatory fitting of the devices has still not allowed enough time.

‘There have been lots of delays because the software is only just coming through,’ said Steve Williams, public affairs manager of the Road Haulage Association.

‘We still have concerns about whether the smartcard will hold 28 days of information and whether the downloading function will be adequate.

‘We would have liked a longer testing period to get used to the technology, but it has not been put in place until the last minute,’ said Williams.

About 50,000 new HGVs are introduced to UK roads every year.