Brussels, 19/08/2005 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has confirmed its decision to extend until 31 December 2005 the period of grace for the introduction of a digital tachygraph (black box) in newly registered vans, buses and coaches. Some Member States have found the previous 5 August deadline difficult to meet, so Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot decided to grant a new moratorium to allow them to establish the legislation required at national level for the compulsory introduction of digital black boxes and the replacement of analogue black boxes with digital ones (in new vehicles. In June 2005, the EU's transport ministers agreed on the new date, described by Jacques Barrot as 'as short a period of grace as necessary', (rather than a formal postponement) for those of good faith to implement the legislation (see EUROPE 8979). In a recent letter to Member States and the European Parliament's Transport Committee, Barrot points out that the rapid introduction of digital tachygraphs is very important to ensure respect of drivers' working times, road safety and far competition.
In April 2004, the Commission in effect postponed the deadline for introduction of digital black boxes by one year (initially set at 5 August 2004 by Regulation EC 2135/98), because of delay in the manufacture of black boxes by manufacturers wanting to ensure compatibility. Some Member States have started to issue tachygraph cards but have not yet passed the necessary legislation and application measures. While digital tachygraphs have been recognised and accepted by all Member States since 5 August 2005, more time is needed for their introduction across the board. During this grace period, the Commission will not launch any infringement proceedings against Member States which have not yet ensured new vehicles are fitted with digital tachygraphs. No fines will be imposed for the use of analogue tachygraphs in vehicles registered before 31 December 2005.