The DVLA has issued further advice to operators and drivers after it admitted a considerable 175,000 faulty tachograph cards were issued between March 24, 2007 and August 31, 2008.
When inserted, the cards display a series of error codes on the vehicle unit.
The DVLA says it has negotiated with VOSA to ensure no enforcement action is taken against drivers with one of the malfunctioning cards, as long as they continue to follow the usual rules.
VOSA said it has contacted its enforcement counterparts in Europe to ask that the same arrangements be put in place for UK drivers holding these cards.
The DVLA also issued the following advice:
“If you have already reported the driver or company card(s) as malfunctioning to DVLA, either by telephone or by applying for a replacement you should receive a new card(s) soon. You do not need to take any further action.
“If you have not applied for a replacement driver or company card(s) you do not need to take any action. DVLA will automatically issue a new card(s) to the address shown on their records. If you need to update your address, please see www.direct.gov.uk/changemyaddress. Replacement cards will be issued as soon as possible. DVLA will include a letter with the replacement card(s) explaining what you need to do with your old card.
“If your card is due to expire you will still receive a reminder to renew the card and you should do so in the normal way. You will then receive a new card. Drivers should continue to complete manual records until the start date of that card.”
Karen Crispe, MD of Tachodisc, says: “We recommend that sufficient supplies of print rolls are issued to drivers. Recommended procedure is for a driver to carry at least one spare roll and one in the machine.”
For further information, contact the DVLA on 0300 790 6801.
