In March 2005, former Transport Minister David Jamieson made a commitment to work closely with stakeholders to ensure a smooth, pragmatic and cost effective transition to digital tachographs. The formula likely to be agreed in the conciliation process currently underway in Brussels is based on the date of publication of the regulation in the Official Journal of the European Union. It therefore lacks the certainty and reliability that is necessary for vehicle operators to commit to.

FTA Chief Executive, Richard Turner has now written to Transport Minister, Stephen Ladyman holding him to the Government's earlier commitment and has put forward 1st June as an implementation date that industry could work towards in the UK. While this could run the risk of conflicting with the EU published date, FTA is adamant that this is a risk Government must take to, at the very least, support UK domestic operators.

FTA continues to advise and encourage operators to start preparing for the introduction of digital tachographs. The 1st June date would be the latest date when operators and drivers must comply. There is nothing to prevent operators from fitting and using digital tachograph before this.