examine signs of tachograph manipulation and other serious infringements of road transport legislation.

Smart tachographs remain a key concern

Tachograph compliance is particularly important for Irish operators engaged in international transport.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has previously reported 66 infringements during roadside inspections involving vehicles that failed to meet applicable smart tachograph requirements.

Operators should ensure that vehicles subject to EU retrofit rules have the correct equipment installed and that drivers understand how to use it properly.

Drivers should also ensure that their records are complete and that they can produce the required driving and rest-time information during roadside inspections.

A timely reminder for Irish operators

Although the ROADPOL campaign is coordinated across participating European countries, Irish operators should not assume that enforcement activity is limited to continental Europe.

Vehicles travelling through countries such as France, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands may encounter additional roadside checks during the week.

Before departure, fleet managers should ensure that preventative maintenance inspections are up to date, reported defects have been rectified and drivers have completed their daily walkaround checks.

Particular attention should be paid to tyres, braking systems, lighting, load security and tachograph compliance.

Enforcement campaign runs until 22 November

The ROADPOL Truck & Bus operation begins on Monday, 16 November, and concludes on Sunday, 22 November.

While the campaign is scheduled for one week, operators are reminded that roadside enforcement takes place throughout the year.

For Irish hauliers, the best preparation is straightforward: ensure vehicles are roadworthy, drivers are compliant and all necessary documentation is in order before heading onto Europe’s roads.