15 Countries Unite Against Tachograph Tampering!

15 Countries Unite Against Tachograph Tampering! 

This week, Hasselt, Belgium, became the epicenter of a crucial initiative for road safety. From October 14-18, 2024, experts from across 15 countries gathered for an intensive, hands-on Master Class workshop on tachograph manipulation, hosted by European Roads Policing Network (ROADPOL) and Euro Contrôle Route European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (ECR EGTC). 

The workshop was more than just a learning opportunity; it was a key event in the battle against tachograph tampering, which is a growing challenge in the transport industry. Tampered tachographs allow dishonest drivers and companies to exceed legal driving hours, leading to unsafe roads and unfair competition. This workshop equipped inspectors with cutting-edge techniques to identify and stop such illegal practices.

Advanced Techniques in Action

During this week, participants engaged in a range of activities designed to boost their tachograph manipulation detection skills, including:

Analyzing tachograph printouts: Understanding the telltale signs of manipulation in data records.

Inspecting sensors for accuracy: Ensuring that sensors are calibrated and functioning properly.

Verifying sensor compatibility with VU units: Cross-checking the devices that track driving time with the vehicle units to confirm they are functioning as a compliant system.

The hands-on exercises throughout the sessions gave participants the practical experience they need to apply these skills in real-world scenarios. 

A Collective European Effort

We are proud to have welcomed participants from Germany, Ireland, UK, Cyprus, Poland, The Netherlands, Luxembourg, Latvia, Czech Republic, France, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, Portugal, and Belgium. Together, these 15 nations united in their commitment to enhancing road safety and creating a level playing field in the transport industry.

This essential workshop not only deepens the expertise of road inspectors but also fosters stronger collaboration between countries. Together, we are stronger in the mission to improve safety and fairness on Europe’s roads. 

A Special Thanks

A huge thank you to Frederic Martin, Sven Kilian, Peter Rothgängel, and Spencer Miller whose hard work and dedication made this event a success. Your efforts to organize this training year after year help ensure that Europe’s roads become safer with every passing day.

We are also incredibly grateful to ROADPOL and all the participants for their ongoing commitment to this cause. The knowledge and techniques shared during this week will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the transport industry, improving safety standards and reducing the risks associated with tachograph manipulation.

This isn’t just a workshop—it’s a movement toward safer, more compliant transport systems in Europe. Hats off to everyone involved! 

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