There are currently ten transport officers assigned to the enforcement unit in my Department's road haulage division. Their primary function is the enforcement of tachograph regulations through roadside checkpoints and premises visits. They also occasionally provide advice and information to drivers and operators to assist them in complying with those regulations.
Since 2000 a total of 593 cases have been pursued in court by transport officers in respect of road haulage offences. So far 308 convictions have been obtained while approximately a further 135 cases are currently pending.
While transport officers do not offer formal training programmes, they do occasionally provide informal information presentations on tachograph regulations and drivers' hours rules. Approximately 20 such presentations have been provided to date in response to requests from within the industry. This approach is entirely in line with my Department's commitment to supply up-to-date, accurate and comprehensive information under its customer service action plan. The provision of information which will improve awareness and assist operators in complying with the regulations is entirely compatible with the role transport officers play in relation to enforcement.
It is, of course, open to private companies or individuals to offer formal training programmes and related training services to the industry. My Department would welcome such initiatives which can only serve to build on and complement the advisory and informational services being provided by transport officers.
My Department's role in providing advice and information does not compromise its enforcement responsibilities. Instead it is an effective way of improving overall understanding of and compliance with the tachograph regulations.