Thanks Tachograph, your explanations & examples are very easy to follow, which is lucky for me! 
I was under the impression that the tacho’s came up with a infringement if you was speeding or am I mistaken ?
ash 001:
I was under the impression that the tacho’s came up with a infringement if you was speeding or am I mistaken ?
Overspeeding mate. And even that isn’t as straightforward as it first sounds! 
But I’m not going to explain that, as I’m not that necky, and only had it explained to me once. Which I forgot! 
ash 001:
I was under the impression that the tacho’s came up with a infringement if you was speeding or am I mistaken ?
As Evil8Beezle said I think you’re referring to an over-speed event, the digital tachograph will show an over-speed event if the maximum speed set in the tachograph is exceeded for more than one minute.
This is quite difficult to explain but the maximum speed can be set in the tachograph, it must not be set at more than the stabilised speed for the vehicle (90 kph for most HGV vehicles) but can be set lower, when the maximum set speed is exceeded an over-speed message flashes on the tachograph display, if the speed is reduced within one minute the over-speed event recorded will show a time duration of 00:00 which is basically a none event, otherwise the event will be recorded with the duration and the speed (average speed for the event if I remember correctly).
As far as I’m aware the DVSA will not penalise you for over-speed events but it is an offence to have the maximum speed set at more than the stabilised speed for the vehicle.
If you get an over-speed warning flashing on the tachograph display reduce your speed and press OK to cancel the warning.
Must trucks are set to about 56mph. However there speed limit on motorways is 60mph. So if I let the truck speed up down hill to 60mph would the tacho register an over speed event even though I’m not breaking the law?
An over-speed event is triggered whenever the set maximum speed is exceeded for more than a minute.
ahh I see I understand thank you very much for clearing that up 
On the hours and breaks point - On multi drop work your day will probably be in two parts; morning deliveries and afternoon collections. Getting a half hour or longer break in between is rarely difficult. I always tried to get a 15 minute in as early as I could, either while waiting somewhere (annoying if you have to move after 10) or in a layby with my coffee flask and the pop quiz.
Exceeding 9 hours driving in a day is rare as you spend so much time waiting around, loading or unloading. Put the tacho on break at every opportunity if that isn’t automatic.
Most of the queries you see on these boards relate to drivers who, for one reason or another, are maximising their hours.
Santa:
On the hours and breaks point - On multi drop work your day will probably be in two parts; morning deliveries and afternoon collections. Getting a half hour or longer break in between is rarely difficult. I always tried to get a 15 minute in as early as I could, either while waiting somewhere (annoying if you have to move after 10) or in a layby with my coffee flask and the pop quiz.Exceeding 9 hours driving in a day is rare as you spend so much time waiting around, loading or unloading. Put the tacho on break at every opportunity if that isn’t automatic.
Most of the queries you see on these boards relate to drivers who, for one reason or another, are maximising their hours.
ok santa thank you very much that’s what I thought I wont believe ile be exceeding my drivers hours like you said ile be multi dropping and be stopped unloading ect so wont max out and hit the 9 hours / 10 hours driving time it was more the average hours of the working time directive I was worried about but that has been cleared up as it seems not many companies are bothered about it as long as your staying legal within your driving hours