(openPR) - An announcement by the Central Motorway Police Group that 30% of non-UK registered trucks checked on the midlands motorways were using magnets to corrupt tachograph information and falsify driving records has prompted an angry response from Rhys Davies Freight Logistics’ Commercial Manager, Gary Phillips.

Digital tachographs were introduced in the UK during 2006 in a bid to prevent tampering. However, it has been found that a simple magnet can disrupt the signal to the units preventing them from recording data accurately and also affecting speed limiting equipment.

“Like the vast majority of UK transport companies Rhys Davies Freight Logistics insists on strict compliance with all tachograph legislation and we invest a lot of time and money to make sure all our records are recorded properly and carefully analysed,” said Gary. “In the end it’s in everyone’s interest to monitor drivers’ hours. It reduces fatigue related accidents and dissuades cowboy companies from pushing their drivers too hard. The operators coming over from outside the UK that ignore the laws are making a mockery of the legislation and making our roads more dangerous as a result.”

Rhys Davies is also concerned about the commercial impact tachograph tampering could have on the transport market. “Apart from the obvious safety issues, corrupting tachograph information has serious commercial implications,” said Gary. “Their introduction has meant all operators run within the same parameters, meaning their cost bases are generally similar. This promotes fair competition amongst carriers, which benefits the transport marketplace overall. By falsifying tachograph records the companies involved are attempting to gain an unfair advantage over other carriers who are operating legally, which in the end will only damage the industry.”

Geoff Dunning, Chief Executive of the Road Haulage Association, has also spoken out on the issue. He said, “It’s quite rare for British drivers to use magnets. However, the consequences are severe for both the driver, who is likely to lose his licence, and in all likelihood for the employer, who may lose its licence to operate trucks.”

Currently the penalties for those caught using a magnet to corrupt tachograph information are a maximum fine of £5000 and two year’s imprisonment. However, there may also be further offences under the Counterfeiting & Forgery Act which carry larger penalties for both drivers and operators. In the case of irregularities being found following an accident involving death or injury, penalties could be very severe.

‘More than just transport’

Rhys Davies Freight Logistics is a national company headquartered in South Wales with eight depots throughout the United Kingdom. The company has clients across a wide range of industries including chemicals, carpets, building products and food.

David Jordan
The Words Workshop Ltd,
26 Swanwick Lane, Milton Keynes, MK10 9LD.
Tel: 01908 695500 Fax: 01908 690099
mailto:david@thewordsworkshop.co.uk
www.thewordsworkshop.co.uk

All business enquiries to:

Gary Phillips
Rhys Davies Freight Logistics
Moy Road Industrial Estate
Taffs Well
Cardiff, CF15 7QR
Tel: 029 2081 0587 Fax: 029 2081 5109
mailto:gary.phillips@rhysdavies.co.uk
www.rhysdavies.co.uk