The digital tachos are to be introduced as a result of EU legislation and the cost of creating the system for the UK is around £72m for the years up to 2009-10.

Ultimately of course the costs will be bourne by road users; what the Government calls "…the principle that the 'user pays'" and as the DLVA says "…the fee structure for digital tachograph cards aims to recover expenditure through fees levied."

Where should the balance lie though? Should the money come from the users of the system i.e. the drivers and companies needing the cards, or should it be subsidised by other DVLA customers via an increase in general fees for driving licence and/or vehicle registration applications?

However the costs fall, it's intended that there will be no charge for workshop or control cards.

The consultation period only runs until 15th February to make sure that the fees are agreed before applications for digital tachograph cards are received and so as not to cause future delays.

A separate consultation exercise will be carried out for the enforcement powers and penalties necessary to implement digital tachographs.

If you want to make a comment on the proposals go to the DVLA Web page below

DVLA Consultation