A DRIVER training company has warned that UK roads could become more hazardous if tachographs are introduced to vans weighing between 2.8 and 3.5-tonnes.

The news follows a warning that the van industry could be thrown into turmoil if European Union plans to introduce tachographs on vans come into force (Fleet NewsNet September 4).

Graham Hurdle, managing director of Stafford-based Pro-Drive, believes the full implications of the new plan have not been considered and if passed, more van drivers will avoid registering their vehicles to evade being tracked by tachographs, in turn increasing the number of illegally driven vehicles on UK roads.

Hurdle said: 'There will be a certain percentage of van drivers and traders who will not want to fit a tachograph as they will be concerned that it will draw attention to the activities they are using that vehicle for.'

Subscribe to Fleet News.