Following an official approach to the European Commission, the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK (CPT) has received clarification concerning the use of tachographs on short regular services which do not involve stops en-route.
CPT made the approach to the Commission after operators had been told that it was necessary to have stops on a route in order to operate it under domestic rules.
The response by the Commission confirmed: “It is acceptable for the pre-determined stopping points at which passengers are picked up and set down to be simply at the start and finish of the service and that it is not necessary for there to be stops en route.”
Steven Salmon, CPT’s Director of Policy Development said: “This helpful clarification from the European Commission confirms precisely CPT’s view that it is not a legal requirement for vehicles on a regular service to be fitted with tachographs solely because there are no stops on the route. It is very good news for our members and will particularly help operators running school contracts to, for example, sporting facilities which do not involve stops along the way.
“We have shared this good news with DfT and DVSA.”
Simon Posner, CPT’s Chief Executive added: “This shows the benefit of a trade association lobbying within the European Commission rather than fighting against it. Once again through constructive and non-confrontational dialogue a very satisfactory outcome for our Members has been achieved.”
