I have to reply to this in practical caravan January 2007 please note Mr Stephenson that British Trucks are limited to 56mph now you can get past but it takes time its due to the configeration of the truck the weight the engine size etc. We don,t do it to get at people pulling caravans we do it because we have goods to deliver. we have to get from A to B "A" could be a Tesco,s or "B" could be your favorate pub "no trucks no goods in shops no beer in pubs". That goes for Sundays as well The Transport industry goes on 24/7 52 Weeks of the year. As I say no Trucks no goods in the shops. Also I hope you don,t break the speed limit of 60mph pulling your van I would,t pull mine above 60mph so if your in the middle lane do you pull over to lane one after youve past the truck doing 56mph or are you one of those who think they own the middle lane. The other thing if you had a lorry free weekend just think of all the extra lorries on the road Monday to Friday to put the goods in the shops the prices would have to go up because more drivers are needed for the extra trucks so you can have a lorry free motorway on A WEEKEND.I think not Mr Stephenson
Reply to Mr Stephenson re stupid lorry drivers
- Thread starter Neville Twigg
- Start date
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G
Guest
A number of countries in Europe ban heavy goods vehicles over a certain weight from travelling at weekends, unless they have a specail permit. Some also insist on heavy trucks traversing the country by rail. None seem to suffer from supply problems. It is also curious that drivers who, in their home country, are happy to not work at weekends, are willingly driving on UK roads at the weekends. One can only assume it is a different supply and demand structure here. One of the main reasons is that many users of trucks, in particular supermarkets, run a policy of delivering 'just in time', which means mad dashes to get to the destination on schedule. The argument is that food is delivered fresher, but as the majority has been frozen for quite a while before delivery, that doesn't really seem to add up. The main reason is to reduce warehouse space at outlets. Actually, there is a slight decrease in HGV traffic on Sundays, and the difference in traffic flow is most noticeable, except of course at entrances to certain flat pack Swedish furniture outlets.
I would also make the point that if indeed HGV trucks are limited to 56mph, then many of them need to re-calibrate their speedometers. I doubt that there is a main arterial road in Britain where if you are towing at 56 mph, you will not be overtaken continously by HGV trucks. They take their time about it that is for sure, but overtake they most certainly do.
I would also make the point that if indeed HGV trucks are limited to 56mph, then many of them need to re-calibrate their speedometers. I doubt that there is a main arterial road in Britain where if you are towing at 56 mph, you will not be overtaken continously by HGV trucks. They take their time about it that is for sure, but overtake they most certainly do.
The difference is that 56mph in a truck is just that, whereas 56mph in a car is more likely to be about 52mph due to speedo error.
Tachographs are properly calibrated unlike car speedos which have a legal permitted tolerance.
If your check your speedo against sat-nav you`ll also find a discrepancy.
Tachographs are properly calibrated unlike car speedos which have a legal permitted tolerance.
If your check your speedo against sat-nav you`ll also find a discrepancy.
Hi all,
The easiest way to make traffic flow better would be to prosecute people who stay in the middle lane on motorways, this turns a 3 lane motorway into a 2 lane dual carriageway and vastly reduces flow, these people do not know the highway code and have little regard for anyone else, it is driving without due care and attention. Another thing that annoys me is the misuse of fog lights, why people put the rear ones on in the rain so you can not see the brake lights is beyond me, and the people who have the front ones on all the time usually pointing in your face because they think they look good need to get out more.
I run an HGV repair workshop and drive all different sizes of vehicles, all I encounter have accurate calibrated tachographs with accurate speedos [unlike cars] and above 7.5 ton have speed limiters set at 56mph but a 44 ton artic will not do 56mph up hills and will run away if allowed down hill and exceed 56mph easily. Most limiters are within 1-2 mph of each other and most modern trucks have cruise control but they can seem erratic on hilly terrain. If you are towing at 56mph on your speedo then trucks will pass as your true speed is more likely to be around 51-52mph, when my car is travelling at a true [gps] 60mph my speedo reads 63mph. The few trucks that do over 56mph tend to be Irish and seem to be under different rules to ours!
The easiest way to make traffic flow better would be to prosecute people who stay in the middle lane on motorways, this turns a 3 lane motorway into a 2 lane dual carriageway and vastly reduces flow, these people do not know the highway code and have little regard for anyone else, it is driving without due care and attention. Another thing that annoys me is the misuse of fog lights, why people put the rear ones on in the rain so you can not see the brake lights is beyond me, and the people who have the front ones on all the time usually pointing in your face because they think they look good need to get out more.
I run an HGV repair workshop and drive all different sizes of vehicles, all I encounter have accurate calibrated tachographs with accurate speedos [unlike cars] and above 7.5 ton have speed limiters set at 56mph but a 44 ton artic will not do 56mph up hills and will run away if allowed down hill and exceed 56mph easily. Most limiters are within 1-2 mph of each other and most modern trucks have cruise control but they can seem erratic on hilly terrain. If you are towing at 56mph on your speedo then trucks will pass as your true speed is more likely to be around 51-52mph, when my car is travelling at a true [gps] 60mph my speedo reads 63mph. The few trucks that do over 56mph tend to be Irish and seem to be under different rules to ours!
well I drive a 4x4 and drive a truck for a living.
Some facts
All trucks over 12 ton are restricted to either 85kmph or 90kmph (the latter being 56mph)
12 ton and under are restricted to 60mph
Motorway speed limit is 60mph
duel carrage way 50mph
and single carrage way 40 mph
yes on duel carrage way most will go flat out at 56 ish
and on single carrage way most will go between 45 and 50.
the reason some go faster than others is not due to the fact the truck needs recalibrating it is more to do mostly with the load.
If an artic is full on weight at 44 ton and starts to go down a decline it will go faster than an artic carrying nothing at 20ish ton, the decline doesnt have to be steep just a slight one will help the truck to go faster.
so when you see 2 trucks on a motorway side by side for 1 or 2 miles 1 is going slightly faster and will eventually get past,
when it come to an incline the reverse is true
Its not the truckers fault that the lorry is limited to 56 and caravan speed limit is 60 so it takes along time to pass
like any business or profession you get some good and some bad and ive seen some bad truckers.
If we had no trucks on the road the way our country is set up nothing would move (including cars) as 99.9% of goods are moved by trucks including your presious cars and caravans
go by rail?? my a** theres not enough capasity for passengers let alone more freight
it ant goin to change for a lot of years so live with it!
Kevin H
Some facts
All trucks over 12 ton are restricted to either 85kmph or 90kmph (the latter being 56mph)
12 ton and under are restricted to 60mph
Motorway speed limit is 60mph
duel carrage way 50mph
and single carrage way 40 mph
yes on duel carrage way most will go flat out at 56 ish
and on single carrage way most will go between 45 and 50.
the reason some go faster than others is not due to the fact the truck needs recalibrating it is more to do mostly with the load.
If an artic is full on weight at 44 ton and starts to go down a decline it will go faster than an artic carrying nothing at 20ish ton, the decline doesnt have to be steep just a slight one will help the truck to go faster.
so when you see 2 trucks on a motorway side by side for 1 or 2 miles 1 is going slightly faster and will eventually get past,
when it come to an incline the reverse is true
Its not the truckers fault that the lorry is limited to 56 and caravan speed limit is 60 so it takes along time to pass
like any business or profession you get some good and some bad and ive seen some bad truckers.
If we had no trucks on the road the way our country is set up nothing would move (including cars) as 99.9% of goods are moved by trucks including your presious cars and caravans
go by rail?? my a** theres not enough capasity for passengers let alone more freight
it ant goin to change for a lot of years so live with it!
Kevin H
- Mar 14, 2005
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We usually try to travel on a Sunday when we find considerably less lorries on the road.
It seems to me that the majority of UK reg lorries are governed and have to stick to the 56mph.
This inevitably causes long overtaking and as has been said this is made worse when the slower heavier laded lorry crests a hill and is then able to increase speed on the downhill.
Some foreign reg lorries seem to have more leeway with their governors (or lack of them)
I always try to remind myself that I am fortunate to be retired and that the lorry drivers etc are doing a valuable job while I am on leisure activities and it really doesn't make that much difference if I am already going to be too early for a 12noon arrival time at a chosen site.
It seems to me that the majority of UK reg lorries are governed and have to stick to the 56mph.
This inevitably causes long overtaking and as has been said this is made worse when the slower heavier laded lorry crests a hill and is then able to increase speed on the downhill.
Some foreign reg lorries seem to have more leeway with their governors (or lack of them)
I always try to remind myself that I am fortunate to be retired and that the lorry drivers etc are doing a valuable job while I am on leisure activities and it really doesn't make that much difference if I am already going to be too early for a 12noon arrival time at a chosen site.
G
Guest
I do not wish this thread to degenerate in to a brickbat throwing session, which can occur when certain 'sensitive' topics are introduced. The subject of HGV, and for that matter the behaviour of all road vehicle drivers could be talked about until the cows come home, as there are so many variations and interpretations. Much of what is said is based on fact, much again, on myth.
My own comments were based on personal experience over many years, but certainly the standards of driving are deteriorating as time goes on, regardless of what vehicle is being driven. Congestion, frustration and just bad driving all play a part. I also am fortunate to share the view of John Watson of having a degree of choice in when to travel and try to avoid the 'blackspots' if at all possible.
However, our transport policy has been 'honed' by vested interests to the current state, which is plainly not going to be sustainable for too much longer. It is also true that the 'greed' and 'selfishness' of the general public have become part of the self destroying circle of supply and demand. One example has to be, that if all the food that is bought in the run up to Xmas , is actually eaten then obesity must shoot up 20% in 3 days. The shops are only closed for 2 days max, but it seems like the siege of Mafeking has been announced, if you look at the empty shelves on Xmas Eve. A week later it is all repeated. Season of goodwill? Humbug as Scrooge would say. My wife worked for many years for one of Britain's main retailers, and the amount of goods bought before Xmas, and then returned was unbelievable. January sales figures were invariably a negative. My point is, is it all absolutely necessary? Which leads back to the point regarding transport to move all these goods around, and the self perpetuating cycle.
Just one small point on tachgraphs tho' which the experts can no doubt answer. As far as I can see the new digital tachographs, which will be mandatory in due course, only store speeds for 24 hours whereas they store driving hours etc for much much longer. I assume therefore that at the start of each 24 hour period the previous speed records are overwritten. So unless it is downloaded every 24 hours the speed side of the record is not really telling us much. The speed limiter will be more important in this area of concern.
My own comments were based on personal experience over many years, but certainly the standards of driving are deteriorating as time goes on, regardless of what vehicle is being driven. Congestion, frustration and just bad driving all play a part. I also am fortunate to share the view of John Watson of having a degree of choice in when to travel and try to avoid the 'blackspots' if at all possible.
However, our transport policy has been 'honed' by vested interests to the current state, which is plainly not going to be sustainable for too much longer. It is also true that the 'greed' and 'selfishness' of the general public have become part of the self destroying circle of supply and demand. One example has to be, that if all the food that is bought in the run up to Xmas , is actually eaten then obesity must shoot up 20% in 3 days. The shops are only closed for 2 days max, but it seems like the siege of Mafeking has been announced, if you look at the empty shelves on Xmas Eve. A week later it is all repeated. Season of goodwill? Humbug as Scrooge would say. My wife worked for many years for one of Britain's main retailers, and the amount of goods bought before Xmas, and then returned was unbelievable. January sales figures were invariably a negative. My point is, is it all absolutely necessary? Which leads back to the point regarding transport to move all these goods around, and the self perpetuating cycle.
Just one small point on tachgraphs tho' which the experts can no doubt answer. As far as I can see the new digital tachographs, which will be mandatory in due course, only store speeds for 24 hours whereas they store driving hours etc for much much longer. I assume therefore that at the start of each 24 hour period the previous speed records are overwritten. So unless it is downloaded every 24 hours the speed side of the record is not really telling us much. The speed limiter will be more important in this area of concern.
Sorry, Scotch Lad, but wherever you got your digital tacho info from is totally Jackanory.I do not wish this thread to degenerate in to a brickbat throwing session, which can occur when certain 'sensitive' topics are introduced. The subject of HGV, and for that matter the behaviour of all road vehicle drivers could be talked about until the cows come home, as there are so many variations and interpretations. Much of what is said is based on fact, much again, on myth.
My own comments were based on personal experience over many years, but certainly the standards of driving are deteriorating as time goes on, regardless of what vehicle is being driven. Congestion, frustration and just bad driving all play a part. I also am fortunate to share the view of John Watson of having a degree of choice in when to travel and try to avoid the 'blackspots' if at all possible.
However, our transport policy has been 'honed' by vested interests to the current state, which is plainly not going to be sustainable for too much longer. It is also true that the 'greed' and 'selfishness' of the general public have become part of the self destroying circle of supply and demand. One example has to be, that if all the food that is bought in the run up to Xmas , is actually eaten then obesity must shoot up 20% in 3 days. The shops are only closed for 2 days max, but it seems like the siege of Mafeking has been announced, if you look at the empty shelves on Xmas Eve. A week later it is all repeated. Season of goodwill? Humbug as Scrooge would say. My wife worked for many years for one of Britain's main retailers, and the amount of goods bought before Xmas, and then returned was unbelievable. January sales figures were invariably a negative. My point is, is it all absolutely necessary? Which leads back to the point regarding transport to move all these goods around, and the self perpetuating cycle.
Just one small point on tachgraphs tho' which the experts can no doubt answer. As far as I can see the new digital tachographs, which will be mandatory in due course, only store speeds for 24 hours whereas they store driving hours etc for much much longer. I assume therefore that at the start of each 24 hour period the previous speed records are overwritten. So unless it is downloaded every 24 hours the speed side of the record is not really telling us much. The speed limiter will be more important in this area of concern.
Every driver will need a `smart card` to operate a digital tacho.
This card stores information particular to the individual, which has to be downloaded periodically, and certainly before the info is overwritten. You must download this info at least every 28 days(we do it weekly), as at some point after this(depending on the info stored) the CARD will start to overwrite.
This is not the case with the actual digital unit, from which the operator, police or VOSA can extract historical information (including `overspeed` events) by using their cards, which permits downloads of VEHICLE activity.
Sorry, Scotch Lad, but wherever you got your digital tacho info from is totally Jackanory.
Every driver will need a `smart card` to operate a digital tacho.
This card stores information particular to the individual, which has to be downloaded periodically, and certainly before the info is overwritten. You must download this info at least every 28 days(we do it weekly), as at some point after this(depending on the info stored) the CARD will start to overwrite.
This is not the case with the actual digital unit, from which the operator, police or VOSA can extract historical information (including `overspeed` events) by using their cards, which permits downloads of VEHICLE activity.
Every driver will need a `smart card` to operate a digital tacho.
This card stores information particular to the individual, which has to be downloaded periodically, and certainly before the info is overwritten. You must download this info at least every 28 days(we do it weekly), as at some point after this(depending on the info stored) the CARD will start to overwrite.
This is not the case with the actual digital unit, from which the operator, police or VOSA can extract historical information (including `overspeed` events) by using their cards, which permits downloads of VEHICLE activity.
G
Guest
I merely followed the information given by VDO, whom I gather are one of the world's leading suppliers of tachographs.
I quote:
How much memory space does the DTCO have?
With average use the activities of approximately 28 working days can be stored on the driver card. The capacity of the DTCO mass memory is enough to record the activities of approximately 365 days.
Speed recording is limited to 24 driving hours and is only recorded in the mass memory of the "digital tachograph".
I do accept that using 'driving hours' then assuming an 8 hour shift, a maximum of 3 calendar days of speed information can be stored. I also note that the EU Directive controlling all this makes absolutely no mention anywhere of speed control. It is merely looking at working hours, which is fair enough but has no relevance to using a tachograph as a speed defender, methinks.
So, as a layman it would appear to me that a truck driver could possibly drive at whatever speed his vehicle could achieve, and only be penalised if he/she was caught by an external speed detection device. Even downloading as you state, weekly, is not covering the whole information. I also note from a number of sources that introduction of the digital tachographs is a result of 'inaccuracies' in the current analogue instruments. I am not able to fully ascertain what that actually means, but I assume that the checks so far have not revealed accuracy of data that would like to be seen, or why change?
I am sure many Companies and drivers follow the rules. After all, if they had no doubts they wouldn't feel the need to write on the back of their vehioles 'driven carefully, if not call....'
I quote:
How much memory space does the DTCO have?
With average use the activities of approximately 28 working days can be stored on the driver card. The capacity of the DTCO mass memory is enough to record the activities of approximately 365 days.
Speed recording is limited to 24 driving hours and is only recorded in the mass memory of the "digital tachograph".
I do accept that using 'driving hours' then assuming an 8 hour shift, a maximum of 3 calendar days of speed information can be stored. I also note that the EU Directive controlling all this makes absolutely no mention anywhere of speed control. It is merely looking at working hours, which is fair enough but has no relevance to using a tachograph as a speed defender, methinks.
So, as a layman it would appear to me that a truck driver could possibly drive at whatever speed his vehicle could achieve, and only be penalised if he/she was caught by an external speed detection device. Even downloading as you state, weekly, is not covering the whole information. I also note from a number of sources that introduction of the digital tachographs is a result of 'inaccuracies' in the current analogue instruments. I am not able to fully ascertain what that actually means, but I assume that the checks so far have not revealed accuracy of data that would like to be seen, or why change?
I am sure many Companies and drivers follow the rules. After all, if they had no doubts they wouldn't feel the need to write on the back of their vehioles 'driven carefully, if not call....'
- Jun 17, 2003
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OK guys (and gals) let's get the facts straight... (with no offense meant to anyone)
with regards to Mr Stephenson's original letter (as printed in Practical)
"We say, Ban them at weekends to give everyone else a chance"
Do I agree? well Yes I do, given certain conditions.....
1) Anyone who has not passed any form of advanced driving test may not use the roads between 6:00am Monday till 8:00 pm Friday.
2) see above!!
what I mean is..... as an HGV driver (Monday to Friday) and a Caravanner Friday till Sunday (and maybe more aswell).
Just how many people tow any of the following:
a) unstable unit?
b) incorrectly loaded unit?
c) overweight unit?
d) illegal unit. ie, your license does not cover you?
e) something you have never been trained in the use of??????
and yet someone, who obviously has no understanding about HGV rules in this country, is allowed to have their views printed with no editorial comment.
THANK-YOU VERY MUCH!!!!!!!!! Practical Caravan.
Did any of "you" bother to ask what the "attacked" felt like?
Was there another side to this argument?
I am sick and tired of trying to pass unstable/incorrectly matched units on the motorways whilst trying to do my day's work.
If I'm limited to 56 mph then, on a dry calm day, there is no reason for me to ever have to pass a caravan.
BUT I HAVE TO !!!!!!!!!!!!!
with regards to Mr Stephenson's original letter (as printed in Practical)
"We say, Ban them at weekends to give everyone else a chance"
Do I agree? well Yes I do, given certain conditions.....
1) Anyone who has not passed any form of advanced driving test may not use the roads between 6:00am Monday till 8:00 pm Friday.
2) see above!!
what I mean is..... as an HGV driver (Monday to Friday) and a Caravanner Friday till Sunday (and maybe more aswell).
Just how many people tow any of the following:
a) unstable unit?
b) incorrectly loaded unit?
c) overweight unit?
d) illegal unit. ie, your license does not cover you?
e) something you have never been trained in the use of??????
and yet someone, who obviously has no understanding about HGV rules in this country, is allowed to have their views printed with no editorial comment.
THANK-YOU VERY MUCH!!!!!!!!! Practical Caravan.
Did any of "you" bother to ask what the "attacked" felt like?
Was there another side to this argument?
I am sick and tired of trying to pass unstable/incorrectly matched units on the motorways whilst trying to do my day's work.
If I'm limited to 56 mph then, on a dry calm day, there is no reason for me to ever have to pass a caravan.
BUT I HAVE TO !!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Jun 17, 2003
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drivers need to download their info every 28 working days.I merely followed the information given by VDO, whom I gather are one of the world's leading suppliers of tachographs.
I quote:
How much memory space does the DTCO have?
With average use the activities of approximately 28 working days can be stored on the driver card. The capacity of the DTCO mass memory is enough to record the activities of approximately 365 days.
Speed recording is limited to 24 driving hours and is only recorded in the mass memory of the "digital tachograph".
I do accept that using 'driving hours' then assuming an 8 hour shift, a maximum of 3 calendar days of speed information can be stored. I also note that the EU Directive controlling all this makes absolutely no mention anywhere of speed control. It is merely looking at working hours, which is fair enough but has no relevance to using a tachograph as a speed defender, methinks.
So, as a layman it would appear to me that a truck driver could possibly drive at whatever speed his vehicle could achieve, and only be penalised if he/she was caught by an external speed detection device. Even downloading as you state, weekly, is not covering the whole information. I also note from a number of sources that introduction of the digital tachographs is a result of 'inaccuracies' in the current analogue instruments. I am not able to fully ascertain what that actually means, but I assume that the checks so far have not revealed accuracy of data that would like to be seen, or why change?
I am sure many Companies and drivers follow the rules. After all, if they had no doubts they wouldn't feel the need to write on the back of their vehioles 'driven carefully, if not call....'
G
Guest
The letter was printed I believe in the January 2007 issue. You can of course write to the magazine expressing your views, and ask to have them printed in the February issue. It is obviously not possible to ask for a response prior to printing the original letter as no magazine purchaser has read it prior to publication. I am sure the editor did read it and felt that it could be of interest to the magazine readership, so included it in the current issue. That is his/her right as editor. They also correctly state that viewpoints expressed in letters are not necessarily shared by the editorial staff.
The advantage of the Forum over a printed publication is that views can be seen, and answered almost immediately, if desired.
Don't be too hard on the magazine. They are trying to appeal to as wide an audience as possible, and you know what they say about pleasing all of the people etc.
The advantage of the Forum over a printed publication is that views can be seen, and answered almost immediately, if desired.
Don't be too hard on the magazine. They are trying to appeal to as wide an audience as possible, and you know what they say about pleasing all of the people etc.
- Apr 18, 2005
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Having been a Truck for most of my working life I do have a lot of respect for the HGV drivers .There are reasons that you occasionally get two trucks side by side for a while on a motorway .Normally this can be remedied by one driver just easing off the pedal a bit and thats what a good truck driver will do , but it doesn't always happen that way. But heck we are probably talking about seconds out of a 6 hour journey we have to wait to pass its time to chill and enjoy towing your caravan more.Lots of truths have been said here regarding the extra cost to the public if trucks were parked up at the weekends in the UK and in most cases the UK truck driver heads for home on a Friday afternoon as you will well know if you have negotiated the Birmingham area of the M6 on a Friday tea time.What I say is this leave the truck drivers to do their job in their proffesional way and enjoy your hobby more by chilling out and getting into a more relaxed mood when towing your pride and joy
- May 12, 2006
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G
Guest
True, but only the last 24 driving hours of speed data is recorded. That technically means 25 'missing' days. All I am trying to say is don't use a tachograph to defend speed. I am sorry but it is similar to the Gas Board telling you, you owe them thousands of pounds, because 'the computer says so'.drivers need to download their info every 28 working days.
As a caravanner and sometime lorry driver, can I have my threepenorth? Whilst I agree that there are some idiots out there who just have to be in front, even though it takes them two miles to do it, which is utterly stupid (personally,I just knock the cruise control back a notch and tuck in behind), there is also the car driver who doodles along at 55mph, until a lorry tries to overtake, who then increases speed to 57, and holds the lorry out in the centre lane. Lots of motorists don't seem to realise that we are physically limited to 56mph, and to lose revs to drop to 53 or 54 means that we then take even longer to climb the next incline.I'd suggest that Mr. Stephenson spends a day with a lorry driver, just to see it from our side.For the rest, please rememberthat while you are on leisure time, we are working, and that our working hours are restricted by law..Rant over..... for now!
Sorry again, Scotch lad, but as previously stated `overspeeding` (exceeding the restricted speed of the vehicle)IS recorded in the unit and can be recalled and printed out by me, the police and VOSA.
It will disclose the date, time,frequency and driver.
When the driver exceeds this limit he is given a warning by the unit which he has to manually cancel(acknowledge), but he can`t prevent this being flagged up in a routine printout or download by anyone with a `control` card.
The problem with analogue tachos is not so much `inaccuracies` as corrupt operators and drivers who exist, and is in all other aspects of driving the penalties they face are disproportionately lenient in comparison to their offences.
The digital tacho is designed to make law-breaking more difficult. It won`t until it is properly policed.
As an operator, the new tacho is far from ideal.
As usual it is something we have had imposed upon us by civil servants who haven`t got a clue what they`re doing. On a two day seminar on the digital tacho, you just wouldn`t credit the number of questions of "why can`t it do xxx" which were met with with a shrug. waste of time and money. Don`t ask industry what it needs, give them what someone thinks they might want. We`re let by bloody donkeys.
It will disclose the date, time,frequency and driver.
When the driver exceeds this limit he is given a warning by the unit which he has to manually cancel(acknowledge), but he can`t prevent this being flagged up in a routine printout or download by anyone with a `control` card.
The problem with analogue tachos is not so much `inaccuracies` as corrupt operators and drivers who exist, and is in all other aspects of driving the penalties they face are disproportionately lenient in comparison to their offences.
The digital tacho is designed to make law-breaking more difficult. It won`t until it is properly policed.
As an operator, the new tacho is far from ideal.
As usual it is something we have had imposed upon us by civil servants who haven`t got a clue what they`re doing. On a two day seminar on the digital tacho, you just wouldn`t credit the number of questions of "why can`t it do xxx" which were met with with a shrug. waste of time and money. Don`t ask industry what it needs, give them what someone thinks they might want. We`re let by bloody donkeys.
G
Guest
Emmerson,
You can rant anytime you like, that is what it is all about.
I just make the comment that you are seeming to suggest that if you don't keep maximum speed for your trip you don't make your schedule within your working hours. That begs the question 'is the schedule too tight?'. I have already made the point that many businesses run on a 'just in time' basis and any tiny hiccup can cause problems.
Of course as many truckers are owner drivers they may not feel in a position to complain too much. They have overheads just as the rest of us do. The market is also pretty competitive, especially as we now have more and more European trucks on our roads.
As I have also mentioned the subject is far too complex just to look at good or bad truck drivers and when they should, or should not be on the road. There are good and bad suggestions for many of the issues and a good overall transport policy is the only totally accurate answer. Unfortunately, I don't think we are likely to see one for a long time yet.
You can rant anytime you like, that is what it is all about.
I just make the comment that you are seeming to suggest that if you don't keep maximum speed for your trip you don't make your schedule within your working hours. That begs the question 'is the schedule too tight?'. I have already made the point that many businesses run on a 'just in time' basis and any tiny hiccup can cause problems.
Of course as many truckers are owner drivers they may not feel in a position to complain too much. They have overheads just as the rest of us do. The market is also pretty competitive, especially as we now have more and more European trucks on our roads.
As I have also mentioned the subject is far too complex just to look at good or bad truck drivers and when they should, or should not be on the road. There are good and bad suggestions for many of the issues and a good overall transport policy is the only totally accurate answer. Unfortunately, I don't think we are likely to see one for a long time yet.
Scotch lad, the schedules are always too tight! I say this from both sides of the fence, cos before I retired I was transport manager for a branch of a national organisation. Now I drive lorries occasionally to boost my pension. Tight schedules are a fact of transport life, more so now than ever. As driver's hours become shorter and shorter, the boss wants more put into each hour. Only yesterday,I refused to do a trip which would have been impossible in the time frame allowed. With two drops removed, I still did not complete the work, and I don't waste time. This sort of thing, sadly is now commopnplace. So please, car drivers, and caravanners, try not to hold up that lorry; he's probably doing his best!
As a person who has driven most types of road vehicle from a motorbike to a STAGO cat 2 heavy haul lo-loader. I can raely empathise with most truckers. They are consantly under pressure to get the goods delivered on time and with the hands free phone these days the transport manager is often in hourly contact to drive for them with his esp and ex-ray vision of theoretically it "will" only take 53 mins to get to the drop.
There are an ever increasing element of DH drivers of all types these days. You will always get the "your not overtaking me" lane hogging idiot and the "tail gater".
As someone has already said those who clog up lans 2 on motorways should be nicked, but of coarse you'll never find plod when you realy need one.
As for a Lorry ban at weekends, nice idea but without very cute planning on the part of our logistics people it's a non-starter. Anyway wouldn't that just lead to 40% more lorries using our already over used roads during the week?
As a caravanner I must say that it is usually lorry drivers in the above 7500Kg bracket who show the most consideration to others and often If you demonstrate good manners to them you'll get a friendly wave instead of a remonstration of "that's the 2nd time today that's happened to me and 1 more time is too much"
The main crunch today seems to be the growth of "I'm alright Jack and stuff the rest" what ever happened to just plain patience and good manners. Even if you say "Thankyou" too loud these days some folk take it as your being sarky!
Steve.
There are an ever increasing element of DH drivers of all types these days. You will always get the "your not overtaking me" lane hogging idiot and the "tail gater".
As someone has already said those who clog up lans 2 on motorways should be nicked, but of coarse you'll never find plod when you realy need one.
As for a Lorry ban at weekends, nice idea but without very cute planning on the part of our logistics people it's a non-starter. Anyway wouldn't that just lead to 40% more lorries using our already over used roads during the week?
As a caravanner I must say that it is usually lorry drivers in the above 7500Kg bracket who show the most consideration to others and often If you demonstrate good manners to them you'll get a friendly wave instead of a remonstration of "that's the 2nd time today that's happened to me and 1 more time is too much"
The main crunch today seems to be the growth of "I'm alright Jack and stuff the rest" what ever happened to just plain patience and good manners. Even if you say "Thankyou" too loud these days some folk take it as your being sarky!
Steve.
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