Jaama, the UK’s leading fleet and asset management software company, is helping truck fleets comply with tougher new roadside inspections by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) that include an emissions check.
 
Jaama’s industry-leading, multi award-winning Key2 software enables users to record and store all emissions-related data and then use the information to trigger any rectification requirements.
 
The Department for Transport has said that from August, roadside lorry inspections will include an emissions check with DVSA enforcement officers particularly looking for use of so-called ‘cheat devices’.
 
Although rogue hauliers are the DVSA’s target, Jaama says that it is critical that all HGV fleets have a robust audit trail of emission data recorded at every vehicle check, including service schedules and MoTs.
 
 
When the new roadside emission checks are introduced, HGV operators and drivers will have 10 days to fix the system if enforcement officers find it has been tampered with. If no fix is made during the period, the DVSA will issue a fine and stop the truck from being driven. 
 
Furthermore, details of all operators found to be cheating emissions will have the findings sent to the Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain, which have the power to remove Operator Licences.
 
Jaama managing director Martin Evans said: “Existing legislation, which includes the Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Directors’ Reports) Regulations 2013 and the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme make HGV emissions recording critical. Key2 is able to report average CO2 output and carbon tonnage on a per vehicle basis.
 
“Quantifying CO2 output is a challenge for all businesses, but Key2 with all CO2-related information consolidated in one portal makes accurate emissions and overall carbon reporting easier to achieve.
 
“Additionally, Key2 will record information on any trucks that fall foul of DVSA inspections, while also helping businesses to manage resulting HGV downtime and the cost of any rectification work.”
 
The new roadside checks while targeting truck operators that break the law are also designed to help improve air quality, building on the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs’ draft plan to cut transport pollution by reducing nitrogen dioxide levels. The final plan is due to be published by July 31.
 
The DVSA crackdown comes amid evidence that some truck operators and drivers are using emission cheat devices to cut transport costs. Evidence discovered includes:
•Using devices designed to stop emissions control systems from working
•Removing a vehicle’s diesel particulate filter or trap
•Using cheap, fake emission reduction devices or diesel exhaust fluid
•Using illegal engine modifications which result in excessive emissions
•Removing or bypassing a vehicle’s exhaust gas recirculation valve.
 
Announcing the roadside emission checks on lorries, DVSA chief executive Gareth Llewellyn said: “We are committed to taking dangerous vehicles off Britain’s roads and this new initiative to target emissions fraud is a key part of that. Anyone who flouts the law is putting other road users, and the quality of our air, at risk. We won’t hesitate to take these drivers, operators and vehicles off our roads.”