Tachos: dealers fight back
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Truck dealers facing prosecution for not using tachograph charts may set up a fighting fund to challenge decisions against them.
Most dealers believe they do not need to use tachos because they are not hauling loads, but Oldham Magistrates recently found Ian Varey of Chapman Commercials guilty of not using a tacho and imposed a fine of .£200 plus costs (CM 8-14 June).
Managing director Neil Chapman was going to let the case rest but other dealers have telephoned to support him with offers of cash for a legal battle.
He says: "We are now thinking about what to do next. It's a big issue for dealers because we are talking about fines of up to £5,000 when we don't believe we should have to use tacho charts."
The VI admits that whether or not dealers are obliged to use tacho charts is legally debatable.