§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the types of vehicle required to have tachographs; what information such equipment records; and what is the penalty for operating such vehicles with the equipment disconnected or non operational.
§ Mr. KeyEC regulations require the fitment of tachographs to most heavy goods vehicles over 3½ tonnes, to domestic passenger carrying vehicles with more than 17 seats unless on regular scheduled services and to vehicles with 10 or more seats on international journeys within the European Community.
The tachograph records the driver's activities (driving, rest and periods of other work) as well as vehicle speed and time. The resultant records allow retrospective checking by enforcement authorities. The maximum penalties for producing a false tachograph chart by tampering with the device are, on summary indictment, a fine of £5,000 and, on conviction on indictment, two years imprisonment. Convictions may be taken into account by Licensing Authorities in deciding whether to grant or renew an operator's licence or an HGV/PCV driver's licence.