Tachographs are devices fitted to commercial vehicles in order to record driving activity. Traditional analogue tachographs recorded this activity through the movement of needles on a waxed paper disc. It is possible to determine periods of driving or rest, as well as the distance travelled and vehicle speed.
Digital tachographs have superseded the analogue version, but functionality is essentially the same. Data is recorded on the device itself or on a ‘smart card’ inserted into the device by the driver. The device records which drivers’ cards have been inserted and their daily activities.
Our work with tachographs falls into the following categories:
- Data analysis: The data downloaded from digital tachographs is stored in secure files that can be emailed without loss or alteration of data. It can be analysed to confirm the driver’s activity, such as driving, rest period or other work, putting evidence into context in a case. Analogue tachograph discs can be supplied for a similar analysis to be undertaken.
- Route tracing: If the appropriate digital tachograph file exists, it is possible to read and display the data using a software program, to give a speed/time graph and therefore calculate the distance travelled. If the vehicle’s location at any particular point in time is known, based on CCTV footage, fuel receipts, delivery notes etc, this can provide a starting point for tracing the vehicle’s route. By matching the vehicle’s speed to certain road features, such as roundabouts and junctions, it is sometimes possible to establish the likely route taken. Route trace analysis can also be performed on traditional analogue tachographs if the waxed paper disc is available and can be provided.
If you have a case involving tachograph evidence, please get in touch with Mark Henderson on 0191 332 4999.
