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Digital tachograph driver cards could be failing as a result of where they are being stored. John Robson, commercial manager at Dodds Transport, has had three drivers come to him with malfunctioning cards in the past six weeks and believes it could be because they are storing their cards in their wallets.

He says: "I telephoned the DVLA to report the damaged cards and was asked where the cards were stored. I told the lady the drivers kept them in their wallets. She said that if the cards  are stored in wallets, next to credit cards, then the magnetic strip on a credit card can render the digi-cards useless."

Robson was amazed that it appeared to be a problem the DVLA was aware of, as he didn't believe any warnings or guidance notes had been issued. Speaking to the DVLA office that handles calls regarding digital tachograph cards, MT was able to confirm that it is indeed a common problem.

"I would say on average I speak to about three drivers a day that have malfunctioning cards," says a DVLA employee. "We always ask where they keep their cards and more often than not it is in their wallets."

In a statement to MT, the DVLA says: "The Agency is aware of the requirement to keep drivers on the road. In view of this, we replace malfunctioning cards free of charge, and as a matter of urgency." Asked whether the DVLA is planning to put out a warning on this matter, MT was told that although the DVLA issues the cards, it is VOSA's responsibility to provide  such guidance.

As MT went to press, Steve Biddle, head of technical services at the RHA, had just come from a meeting with VOSA where he raised the issue. "VOSA says although it hasn't been inundated with calls on this, it is investigating the cause of malfunctioning cards."