The European Commission is introducing new legislation to reduce tachograph fraud, improve roadside efficiency and reduce administrative burdens among transport companies.
Although transport companies and drivers in Europe still have to comply with the driving and rest times regulation and the working hours decision, a large number of advanced options will be implemented in the new tachograph. New features include the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) which records the location of the vehicle at the beginning, end and every three hours of recorded driving time.
DSRC
The smart tachograph also uses Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC). This is a secure radio connection intended for on-the-go checks. With this, data can be transmitted wirelessly to police and / or inspection services at short distance in order to determine possible manipulations. Drivers who adhere to the rules can continue their journey without interruption, thus avoiding wasting time.Downloading data remains mandatory
It remains obligatory to download, archive and analyze data from digital tachographs. The new files contain new data such as the GNSS position, new errors and events and improvements to ferry / train registration. Fleet managers must therefore ensure that the used download equipment is suitable for downloading this new data.The current driver cards will be replaced with a new 1C version when new cards are available. The new maps will also be able to register the additional data according to the new legislation. The new card will function in the current (old) and new version tachograph. The current card will also function in the smart tachograph, however, in that case the same data as now will be registered under the current 1B legislation. Fleet managers with smart tachographs in their fleet will also have to purchase a new version of the company card.
Calibration of tachographs
Workshops that calibrate tachographs must also prepare for the introduction of the smart tachograph. In addition to the usual configuration, programming and calibration, the new options such as GNSS and DSRC will have to be tested in the correct prescribed manner. Ensure that the tachograph test equipment is updated so that the workshop can calibrate smart tachographs according to the applicable requirements.After the calibration, a new version of the calibration stick / installation plate with more information will have to be used. Workplaces with Stoneridge equipment can continue to use the installation plate printer and stickers used in the application. For the software the CITO2 workshop software will have to be used.
Use will also have to be made of new seals. These contain characteristics of the producer and will be fully traceable from production to with use during a calibration. Stoneridge will distribute approved seals through their network for this purpose. The Workshop will have to register the used serial numbers of the seal (s) as part of the calibration process. These serial numbers will also have to be mentioned on the installation plate. With the CITO2 workshop software from Stoneridge this takes place automatically.
Tachograph technicians must prepare themselves
Tachograph technicians must also prepare themselves. A new workshop card will have to be purchased so that the smart tachograph installation can be used. Also a 1C refresher training will have to be followed.A change in the law like this seems daunting, but Stoneridge is ready to support transport companies, drivers and workshops with this change. "We offer a huge amount of online training, information face to face training on the new tachograph options for the aforementioned target groups," says Johansson.
