WRITTEN QUESTION E-1548/02

by Brigitte Langenhagen (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(3 June 2002)

Subject: Digital tachograph

Once Technical Annex IB has been approved by the Council of Transport Ministers and published in the Official Journal, Regulation (EC) No 2135/98(1) will come into force. This means that, 24 months after its publication in the Official Journal, all vehicles put into service for the first time must be equipped with a digital tachograph.

One of the aims of introducing the digital tachograph is to ensure fully automatic recording which does not allow for any tampering. However, recent research has confirmed the suspicion, raised a number of years ago, that unauthorised interference is both possible and simple, particularly with regard to smart cards (see the report entitled Smart card found to be vulnerable, in the International Herald Tribune of 14 May 2002). This means that security and data protection cannot be guaranteed.

How does the Commission view the research results? What measures will it take to prevent possible tampering in practice? How will it ensure that the requisite number of tamper-proof cards is available throughout the EU by the date set?

A further aim of introducing the digital tachograph is to ensure () that the data recorded are retrievable, clear, intelligible when printed out, and reliable () (Regulation (EC) No 2135/98, Recital 6). Has the Commission verified whether the digital tachograph's print-outs can be understood by inspectors in the Member States and whether their interpretation leads to clear results? How can an equivalent level of training for inspectors throughout the EU be guaranteed in order to avoid distortions of competition arising from varying control mechanisms?

(1) OJ L 274, 9.10.1998, p. 1.

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(10 July 2002)

On 13 June 2002 the Commission adopted the Regulation introducing the technical specifications for the digital tachograph (Annex 1B)(1).

While the existing tachograph consists of a mechanically operated vehicle unit and paper record sheets, the new tachograph comprises a digital vehicle unit and a personal driver card. The digital tachograph automatically registers the activity of the drivers and keeps the information for a year. The personal driver card that drivers must have in their possession records and stores their activities for the last 28 days.

With the use of digital technology the data recorded by the new tachograph will undoubtedly be much more tamper-proof and much more reliable than the current equipment.

The article in the International Herald Tribune of 14 May 2002 refers to smart cards in general. However, for the construction of tachograph cards a set of specific functional requirements have been developed. A specific appendix, dedicated to the generic security targets of the tachograph system, contains specific security objectives and functions for the tachograph cards.

To help the Member States implement the tachograph card requirements, the Commission supported the work of experts from the Member States. This work included the development of security aspects of the cards and will continue in 2002, in order to prepare the secure implementation of the technical provisions concerning the tachograph cards.

The Commission also supports the work of a group of enforcement experts from the Member States, in order to ensure a better understanding of the data. In addition, the Commission will soon present proposals for more uniform checks in the road transport sector, as well as to improve the quality of these checks.

The training of enforcement officers is in the first place a task of the Member States. Nevertheless, the Commission will consider the possibility of supporting a communication project to promote knowledge and understanding of the new equipment amongst its users. The project could focus on an information campaign directed at enforcement officers, as well as drivers and the management of undertakings.

(1) Commission Regulation adapting for the seventh time to technical progress Council Regulation (EEC) No 3821/85 of 20 December 1985 on recording equipment in road transport, OJ L 370, 31.12.1985.