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Training and transport support group, Novadata, which has a number of clients in the Haverhill area, has become the first training organisation in the UK to receive City & Guilds approval to teach transport personnel the new, and very challenging, smart-card technology associated with the digital tachograph.

The tachograph, first introduced in the UK in 1981, records drivers’ activities on charts and assists with the legislation governing vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. It is a legal requirement. However, following Directive 2135/1998, the familiar analogue tachograph is now due to be replaced by the digital tachograph. This will inevitably lead to a period of time where both tachograph systems are in operation. Drivers will be expected to switch from the ease of the familiar tachograph to radio-sized units complete with user controls, mode switches, display, smart-card slots, printer and a total of 84 functions. They will also need to understand the concept of Universal Time Co-ordinated.

The original launch date of last August was postponed when it was clear the industry was nowhere near ready, but a final deadline of Summer 2006 looks increasingly likely. EC transport minister, Jacques Barrot, who would like to see the smart-card technology in place by January 2006, has warned that he will punish countries that do not enforce the new rules. What’s clear is the pressure is now on for drivers, companies, calibration centres and authorities to learn how to use the new equipment and familiarise themselves with the additional EU regulations.

Derek Broomfield, Director of Novadata, said: “We are delighted to be the first training providers of this approved City & Guilds course. We have been working closely with key players involved in the legislation and manufacturers of the new equipment to develop a communication strategy and we have invested substantially so we can keep our clients abreast of the new system.”

Novadata’s innovative, five-day course, ‘Training the Trainer’ provides appropriate personnel with the information and expertise required to train drivers effectively in the use of the new digital technology, thereby cutting company training costs. Reports suggest that on average it will cost £600 to train each driver, so this course offers real value for money in that it facilitates in-house training. There are three different digital systems on the market from Actia Smartach, Siemens VDO and Stoneridge. Drivers will need to understand them all and Novadata provides training covering all three. On successful completion of the course, individuals will receive the nationally recognised City & Guilds qualification.

Mr Broomfield added: “The majority of transport departments throughout the UK are now aware that the digital tachograph is here to stay. Unfortunately, for many, it is not the simple answer to the complexities associated with analogue tachographs and the current legislation that they hoped for. It is going to be a huge learning curve for the Industry.

“The costs involved in the transition period will certainly hit hard, but early recognition of the training required and implementation and management of the system will help to ensure much greater costs are not incurred later, through inefficiency or even as a result of prosecution. It is imperative that transport personnel are trained professionally and are confident in both analogue and digital tachograph legislation to ensure maximum competence and understanding. Keeping drivers on the road legally is what it’s all about. I suggest any one interested in reserving a place on one of our training courses contact our company without delay.”

Novadata’s ‘Training the Trainer’ courses are held at the company premises in Braintree in Essex.

The company also offers courses in: Digital Tachograph for Drivers, Digital Tachograph for the Legal Profession, Drivers’ Hours’ Laws, ADR, CPC and the Working Time Directive, DGSA and Systems Management.

It is also one of the largest tachograph analysis companies in the UK and supplies transport related products. It can also provide an Expert Witness service.

For further information contact:
Derek Broomfield
01376 348963.
www.novadata.co.uk


Elaine Collins
Gold PR
elaine@goldpr.co.uk

E-Mail Link: info@novadata.co.uk