the firm i work for is an engineering firm operating on a restricted (own account) license and operate 1 vehicle, my 7.5 tonner. My problem is this :-
The guy who is nominated transport manager is the production manager (or something like) and doesn’t seem to have much grasp of transport.
I got a rollocking last week because some old timer in charge of stock control who occasionally drives the truck put in a list of “defects” which i knew about but didnt consider to be defects -
- rubber grommits missing off electric window switches (■■?)
- small stone chip in front screen (tiny thing - no impaired visibility, no crack)
- button missing off radio
- curtains torn (ok, accept maybe this one)
didn’t help myself by laughing when i was given the list and told to take it straight into iveco to be done.
However, for the last 12 days now i have been booking off a fault with the tacho/speedo and limiter - when the speedo is showing 70mph, if you set the speed limiter, it sticks at 70 but the tacho is recording 120kph+ i have now noticed that when i hit the limiter button at 70mph, the dash display shows set speed at anthing between 112kph to 116kph. Since i noticed this i am now making sure my speedo speed is about 5mph under whatever the limit is.
Where do i stand legally on continued use of the truck ■■?
I am an agency driver and it seems that the ■■■■■■■■ defects booked off by the other guy get done straight away, but a more serious safety issue is being overlooked. i’m worried that if i refuse to take the motor out they’ll get rid of me. its a long term contract and not a lot of work elsewhere at the mo
cheers for any advice you can offer
With regard to the speed trace on the chart recording higher than the speedo, are you sure you are using the correct charts for your tacho head? All charts are not the same, even though they will fit into the machine.
hadnt thought of that, wots best way of finding out ■■?
On the back of the charts there will be a list of ‘e’ numbers e1. e2, e3, e11 etc. Some charts will have a very big list while others will have only a few numbers and on the tacho unit there will, or should be, a sticker with an ‘e’ number. You will have to open the unit to find it, and If the number on the unit does not appear on the rear of the charts, they are the wrong kind of charts.
Also on the back of the charts you should find the maximum speed for the chart, 125, km/h or 140 km/h are the most common ones and this can also be a guide to ensuring you have the correct chart.
checked the old disco-tacs out and they are compatable with the recorder. it seems the tacho (cassette type) and speed limiter/cruise control recordings and readings tie up to each other but the speedo is showing slower. i keep booking it off but nothing getting done. how do i stand if i pick up a gatso fine ■■?
Keep putting in written defect reports, have a word with the agency about this and see what they say. Approach the transport manager and ask him if he is taking your defect reports seriously.
Is it due a service or safety inspection, if so hand a defect sheet into the garage and ask them for a copy of the inspection sheet and what they found relating to your written defect.
You can bet if an offence crops up the transport manager will distance himself from you. The golden handcuffs come to mind, you drive illegally because you need to work.
Give VOSA a call and ask their opinion, you can remain anonimous if you wish.