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Tacho Overspeed and Compliance in Fleet Operations
Managing a fleet involves an in-depth understanding of both Vehicle and Driver regulations to guarantee safety and legal compliance. An important part of this is the monitoring of tacho overspeed incidents.
This guide examines the significance of tachographs in recording overspeed events, the repercussions of these events, and how tools such as TachoMagic's TADD can aid in effectively managing Driver and Vehicle Data.
What is Tacho Overspeed?
Tacho overspeed refers to any instance where a tachograph records a vehicle exceeding the speed set by the vehicle's speed limiter. This is often 56mph on HGVS, but this does vary.
After 30 seconds of overspeeding, the tacho unit will flash a warning. After 60 seconds, an infringement is typically recorded.
Overspeed often occurs when vehicles with heavy loads are travelling downhill, since the vehicle can end up rolling faster than the limiter permits.
Is Overspeed an Offence?
Overspeeding is an infringement, and if so inclined, your manager can have a meeting with you about it or impose penalties. Overspeeding only becomes a driving offence if the UK's HGV speed limit of 60mph is exceeded for over 59 seconds (the amount of time it takes at that speed before an infringement is recorded).
Overspeeding isn't a particularly serious infringement as a one-off, but repeated overspeeding can lead to sanctions against the driver, and potentially the fleet operator. These penalties are not just financial; they can also include restrictions on operations and increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies.
Overspeed on Tacho: Data and Analysis
When a tachograph records an overspeed event, it is crucial for fleet managers to analyse this data. Regular analysis can help identify patterns of behaviour and areas where further driver training may be required. It is also essential for legal and regulatory reasons, as documented instances of overspeed can be used as evidence in proceedings related to traffic violations.
Managing Tacho Overspeed in Fleet Operations
Fleet managers must take proactive steps to manage tacho overspeed incidents:
- Training and Education: Ensuring drivers are aware of the consequences of overspeeding, and the importance of adhering to speed limits.
- Utilising Technology: Tools like TachoMagic's Automatic Download Device offer instant analytics of tachograph data, helping fleet and transport managers monitor and prevent overspeed incidents.
- Regular Audits: Conducting regular reviews of tachograph data to ensure compliance and address any issues promptly.
HGV Overnight Parking Rules UK
Understanding the HGV overnight parking rules in the UK is crucial for fleet operators. These rules are designed to ensure that drivers have adequate rest periods, reducing the risk of fatigue-related accidents. Tachographs play a key role in enforcing these rules by recording the rest periods and proving compliance with these regulations.
Using Tachomagic for Efficient Fleet Management
Tachomagic provides detailed analysis of tachograph data. We help fleet managers interpret their data through scheduled reports and our TachoMagic Automatic Download Device (TADD) means that you can see all infringements at the touch of a button instead of waiting for drivers to manually download their cards, alerting you to possible infringements after the fact.
These possible infringements can include overspeed incidents, too much driving time, and inadequate rest periods. By using such tools, fleet operators can increase their compliance with transportation laws and improve the overall safety and efficiency of their operations.
For further information about tachograph analysis, you can read more below.
Summary
Reducing the number of tacho overspeed infringements is an important task for TM's necessary for maintaining safety standards and adhering to legal requirements. By effectively using tachographs and tools like Tachomagic, fleet managers can ensure their operations are not only compliant with the law but also operate as safely as possible.
The key to successful fleet management is the continuous monitoring, analysis, and education around the data provided by these devices, ensuring that every driver adheres to the set speed limits and rest regulations.
Further Reading - Tacho Overspeed
If you have found our article on Tacho overspeeding, useful, we have some further articles below that may be helpful
DVSA Enforcement Sanctions Policy
Guide To Digital Tachograph Downloaders
How Long Is A Digital Tachograph Card Valid For?
About The Author
Simon Theaker
Simon has over 20 years of dealing with tachograph analysis, and the technologies involved.
His in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience have made him a key behind-the-scenes member of the TachoMagic team.
Through his blogs, Simon hopes to make the lives of Fleet Managers easier.
