Digital tachograph: formal notifications to Greece & Cyprus

Publication date: 12 October 2006

The European Commission has issued formal notifications to Greece and Cyprus urging implementation of measures for the use of digital tachograph in road transport operations. On 1st May 2006, the digital tachograph became mandatory for all new heavy goods vehicles and buses in the European Union[1].

As Vice-President Jaques Barrot in charge of transport stressed “each Member State has the responsibility to fulfil the European objectives of increased road safety and enforcement of driving times and rest periods”. “The digital tachograph will make a significant contribution to these objectives” – he added.

Due to mainly technical reasons in the start–up period, the introduction had to be postponed twice in order to give industry, Member States and the transport sector the time to organise a smooth transition from analogue to digital tachograph.

In the beginning of this year, the Commission indicated to the Member States that any further delay after May 2006 would be unacceptable given the long period of preparation that Member States have already enjoyed and that the Commission would monitor the situation in the Member States. In this context, Vice-President Barrot sent a letter on 26th June 2006 in which Member States were asked to report on the introduction of the digital tachograph. On the basis of the responses, formal notifications were sent to Greece and Cyprus. Their responsible authorities have been urged to provide their observations within two months.

The digital tachograph is now readily available and all new heavy vehicles come fitted with them. Member States issue the necessary tachograph cards to drivers, companies, workshops and control officers. To date, all the Member States except Greece and Cyprus have put in place the necessary arrangements. The Commission is watching the practical implementation throughout Europe very closely.

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[1] Following the publication of Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 of the European Parliament and the Council on the harmonisation of certain social legislation relating to road transport.