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Vehicle operators that have not yet got a grip on digital tachographs better watch out. Later this year those that have them fitted to their vehicles could face a £5,000 fine if they fail to download the data from the digitachs at the right time. The Department for Transport has just issued a consultation document on data downloading and record retention and it should be compulsory reading for every fleet manager.

What is says is sensible. It is clearly vital to download and store all the  information on driver cards before the data is automatically wiped after about a month. The proposed legislation will put a duty on operators to ensure that the downloads are carried out within the correct timescale. And operators may also have to identify when more frequent downloading is required, for example in operations that involve multi-drop deliveries.

The challenge is to set up a robust system that ensures that this is done. If you don't it could cost you dear. So far, many companies have been trying to ignore digital tachographs by buying trucks before they had to be fitted. This has even had an effect on truck registrations. But now you will have to buy vehicles with digital tachographs fitted as standard. Instead of ignoring the issues, you need to get your systems ready now.

It is also vital to watch the detail of the legislation. For example from January 1 next year drivers will have to carry with them 29 days' worth of records in one form or another. Don't  be caught out.