FTA moves on digitachs
Page 7

If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
LONG-STANDING confusion over the introduction of digital tachographs could come to an end as soon as next week, if a meeting planned by the Freight Transport Association goes ahead.
The FTA wants a meeting between all concerned parties β including itself, vehicle manufacturers, the three cligitach manufacturers, and the DVLA βto set a firm launch date.
This issue has been a thorn in the industry's side for several years because the EU has failed to clear up the confusion that surrounds timing and enforcement.
The original launch, last August, was postponed when it was clear the industry was nowhere near ready. Now the EU says new trucks should be equipped from January 2006; the UK's Department for Transport proposes August.
James Hookham, deputy chief executive of the HA, says: "Over the past six months, the manufacturers have gradually caught up and we think the market is ready to go.
The big debate now is when is [tachograph introduction] going to be enforced? We're confident the DfT owes us a few favours β operators have been messed around for long enough and deserve an even break."
He adds that the middle of 2006 is its preferred date.