Almost half of transport companies say roadside inspections are on the rise

London, 21 August 2013
Almost half of transport companies (42 per cent) say roadside inspections by VOSA are increasing, according to research commissioned by TomTom Business Solutions.

The study, among companies operating vehicles of 3.5 tonnes or more, revealed risk of prosecution for tachograph offences was a growing concern for 46 per cent of companies. A fifth (20 per cent) said infringements had been recorded against them in the last three years.

Convictions for drivers’ hours violations and tachograph offences can lead to fines of up to £5,000 and, in some cases, prison sentences of up to two years.

The severity of these penalties and potential damage to a business’s reputation makes compliance crucial said Giles Margerison, Director UK and Ireland, TomTom Business Solutions.

Systems should be in place to ensure the process is managed effectively, while minimising time-consuming administration and impact on precious business resources

Almost a third (32 per cent) of transport companies currently spend in excess of an hour per vehicle manually downloading digital tachograph data, with 15 per cent having missed download deadlines, which are set to ensure data is not overwritten.

Furthermore, a quarter (25 per cent) spend more than two hours a month analysing tachograph data to ensure legislative compliance, while 28 per cent say they never do so.

Advanced software solutions will automatically schedule remote downloads to ensure deadlines are never missed and incorporate reporting analytics to detail driver infringements at the touch of a button added Giles.

TomTom’s WEBFLEET Tachograph Manager brings fleet management and working-time compliance together in one, unified system. By eliminating the need for separate solutions, businesses are able to cut back on admin and improve efficiencies.

Often you may think the drivers would be resistant to this kind of system but they now realise the benefits it can have for them, added Chris.

Remote download of tachograph data is achieved through a connection with TomTom’s LINK on-board unit, meaning no additional hardware is required.

The results from the study have been detailed in a research report: A study into business perceptions and usag with key findings also summarised in an infographic document.