Tachographs

HC Deb 23 July 1996 vol 282 cc151-2W

Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what proposals he has to ensure that tachographs record a full 24-hour day; [39377]

(2) if he will consider introducing a unique serial number on tachograph discs. [39376]

Mr. Norris

The Government share concerns that the records produced by drivers should be accurate. However, the requirements on drivers to record their time and the layout of approved records sheets are set out in an EU regulation. I am not convinced that amendment to the regulation along the lines proposed would be cost-effective or free of practical difficulties. We favour the use of digital recording equipment and drivers smartcards, as proposed by the European Commission, to overcome the acknowledged shortcomings of mechanical recording equipment.