Category: Driver Essentials

Smartanalysis: The Analogue & Digital Tachograph Analysis Software

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Are you tachograph compliant? Find out how Smartanalysis for Tachograph Charts can help you comply with Driver’s Hours and the Working Time Directive…

What is Smartanalysis?

  • Smartanalysis is the industry-leading tachograph analysis and compliance management software.
  • Smartanalysis is used by many of the UK’s leading transport operators to safeguard compliance with drivers’ hours and working time regulations and much more.
  • Smartanalysis eliminates the burden of managing and controlling the process for safeguarding your compliance, leaving you with more time to focus on your business.

How Smartanalysis works

Smartanalysis is a cloud based tachograph analysis software service that can be accessed securely wherever you have an internet connection. (FREE REGISTRATION HERE)

You send us your tachograph data. We store the data on our secure servers and make the data, analysis, reports and tools available for you to use on the Smartanalysis web site. We have over 100 standard reports for you to choose from and they can be sent to straight to your email whenever you need them.

Get started by creating your Smartanalysis account and we’ll also supply you with Smartanalysis ‘digital downloader’ software to install on a PC in each of your depots. We can also supply you with scanners, smartcard readers and download devices to transfer your analogue and digital tachograph data to Smartanalysis in our shop.

Key facts about Smartanalysis

  • It is used to analyse over 1,300,000 tachograph records every month.
  • It is deployed in over 12,000 locations throughout the UK and Europe by over 20,000 registered users.
  • 6 out of the top 10 road transport companies by turnover (FY 2010) use Smartanalysis.
  • It is suitable for all HGV and PCV fleets – large and small.
  • It provides seamless analysis of both analogue and digital tachograph data.
  • It is cost effective. You only pay for the driver data you submit, no charge for VU downloads.
  • Your data is secure yet accessible any time, any place by authorised members of your staff.
  • Over 100 standard reports are available online or emailed to you.
  • Smartanalysis includes powerful tools to manage your infringements down.
  • It is fully supported and will ensure your compliance now and in the future by accommodating changes in legislation and tachograph hardware.

Driver CPC needed to take vehicle for Annual Test

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VOSA and the DSA have announced that mechanics who are taking a vehicle for its annual test will require a Driver CPC.  However, if only taking for a road test it will not be required.

This has come as a shock to the industry which had not been prepared to put mechanics though the required 35 hours of training.

Driver CPC requires all professional bus, coach and lorry drivers to complete a minimum of 35 hours periodic training every five years for as long as they wish to continue to drive professionally.

If you are a bus or coach driver and held your vocational licence (D, D1, DE, D1E) prior to 10 September 2008 you have acquired rights until 9 September 2013.

If you are a lorry driver and held your vocational licence (C, C1, CE, C1E) prior to 10 September 2009 you have acquired rights until 9 September 2014. To keep your Driver CPC and continue driving professionally beyond this date, you will need to complete 35 hours of periodic training (register).

On completion, drivers will receive a Driver Qualification Card: 

This card, along with the drivers digital tachograph card needs to be carried with the driver at all times.  Make storage simpler with a double card holder and lanyard available to purchase online or by telephone.

Virgo’s simulator introduction to tachographs

We were recently contacted by 13 year old Steve Virgo who describes himself as a ‘bus and coach enthusiast’ who’s hobbies include building a simulator dashboard. This immediately caught my attention and I was delighted to be able to help Steve with his request for some 125kph tachograph charts to use in his dashboard!

Steve has very kindly allowed me to show a video of his simulator in action http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlHZw60KkE8.  I will be happy to pass any comments or gems of advice onto our young enthusiast!

 Well done Steve!

Driver CPC Dates

The CPC deadline for bus and coach drivers with acquired rights is upon us. Drivers have to complete their 35 hours training for their qualification.

Driver CPC requires all professional bus, coach and lorry drivers to complete a minimum of 35 hours periodic training every five years for as long as they wish to continue to drive professionally. If you are a bus or coach driver and held your vocational licence (D, D1, DE, D1E) prior to 10 September 2008 you have acquired rights until 9 September 2013.

If you are a lorry driver and held your vocational licence (C, C1, CE, C1E) prior to 10 September 2009 you have acquired rights until 9 September 2014. To keep your Driver CPC and continue driving professionally beyond this date, you will need to complete 35 hours of periodic training.

» Please REGISTER FOR DRIVER CPC TRAINING here. On completion, drivers will receive a Driver Qualification Card:

This card, along with the drivers digital tachograph card needs to be carried with the driver at all times.  Make storage simpler with a double card holder and lanyard available to purchase online or by telephone.

Possible Speed Limit Change

New Speed Limit 50mphThe government are currently in consultation regarding increasing the speed limit on single carriageways for HGV’s over 7.5 tonnes from the current 40mph to 50mph matching the limit for HGV’s between 3.5 tonnes and 7.5 tonnes.
» Read More Here

The consultation closes on 01st February 2013.
Watch this space for updates on the outcome.

Winter Driving. Don’t Get Caught Out!

winter-driving-kitWe are now well into autumn and winter is just around the corner and with the excitement of Christmas comes the dreaded winter weather.

Don’t get caught out when driving in extreme conditions. Please ensure you have the right equipment with you for every eventuality.

RoSPA have produced a ‘Winter Driving Tips’ information sheet  with a recommended list of equipment for an emergency kit.  This should include your in-cab First Aid Kit.

» GB Tachopak offer a range of First Aid Kits  to suit all commercial vehicle requirements.

CMR Consignments Note for International Haulage

948 CMR Consignments NotesInternational Haulage : Road Consignment Notes
(also known as CMR Consignment Notes)

According to the UK Government website:
If you use a provider to transport goods internationally by road, there is a standard contract you should use. This is a road consignment note – known as the CMR consignment note – which confirms that the haulage company has received the goods and has a contract from the supplier to carry them.

On all international journeys – ie other than between the UK and the Republic of Ireland – a haulier must have a CMR note if carrying goods on a commercial basis.

Completing a CMR note

The CMR note can be filled out by the company sending the goods abroad, the haulier or by a freight forwarder, but must contain prescribed information.

You will need three copies of a CMR note, including one:

  1. for the supplier of the goods
  2. for the eventual customer
  3. to accompany the goods while they are being transported

» You can buy pre-printed pads of CMR Consignment Notes from various haulage outlets or buy online with GB Tachopak.

France orders breathalyser for motorists

France introduced new laws that state drivers MUST carry their own breathalyzer kits in their vehicle. This BBC article explains more…
Buy Online here
>> http://amzn.to/RVFCsS

here is a summary…

A new law has come into force in France making it compulsory for drivers to carry a breathalyser kit in their vehicles or risk an on-the-spot fine.

It is the latest move by the government aimed at bringing down the number of road deaths caused by alcohol. All motorists must also have with them a high-visibility safety vest and a warning triangle. Foreign drivers are included in the new rule, however there is a grace period until November.

Some 4,000 people are killed on French roads every year, with drink-driving being the main factor in accidents ahead even of speeding.

The French government hopes that with breathalysers in every car, drivers who suspect they may be over the limit can test themselves and if necessary refrain from taking the wheel.

Where can I buy them ? Approved French Breathalyzer Kits can be ordered online via Amazon UK who have quite a few different models. Average price is £6 for two in box.

Driver’s First Aid Kits Available

Driver and Vehicle First Aid KitWe are pleased to announce our range of Vehicle First Aid Kits…. (Shown Code 602)

The Health and Safety Executive state the following: A vehicle, either privately or company owned, when driven for business use is classed as a ‘place of work’.

This GB Tachopak first aid kit complies with the latest BS8599-1: 2011 requirements for first aid provision don’t get caught out by cheaper alternatives. This kit will now future proof you in terms of first aid provision.

This kit contains all the necessary required items you may need in the course of your work, when treating in or around a vehicle. It is ideal for personal injuries sustained at work, such as cut fingers. Also contains enough equipment to assist at the scene of a vehicle accident or in a work place.

Vehicle First Aid Kit Commercial : Prices from £9.99 each
» Details or Buy Online Now

First aid kit contents to BS8599:
Prices do not include VAT.