In mid-April, the Czech Ministry of Transport officially presented a fleet of 21 specialist vehicles that will be used by the new inspectorate. The vehicles – based on the VW Crafter model – have been equipped with advanced systems that enable, among other things, the remote reading of tachograph data and the weighing of moving vehicles without the need to stop them.
Checks without stopping trucks
The new inspection vehicles use DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communication) technology, which allows data to be read remotely from second-generation smart tachographs – even at full speed and from a distance of up to 100 metres. Inspectors will therefore be able to verify in advance whether a driver or carrier is breaking the law.
But that’s not all. The system also works with dynamic weighing-in-motion (WIM) scales, allowing the automatic detection of overloaded vehicles. This means only trucks that raise suspicion will be stopped – saving time for both inspectors and carriers.
Each vehicle has been fitted with systems that allow immediate access to online registers, specialist software for analysing tachograph data, and equipment for verifying documents and banknotes (e.g. UV detectors and telescopes).
Greater powers and independence for inspectors
INSID will no longer require the presence of the Czech police or customs officers – its inspectors will operate entirely independently. They will be able to carry out checks both on the roads and directly at hauliers’ premises.
The new regulations grant them a wide range of powers: from stopping vehicles and issuing orders to collecting deposits and seizing licence plates and documents. What’s more, penalties for violations will be higher – the maximum fine will increase from CZK 350,000 to CZK 500,000 (i.e. from around EUR 14,098 to EUR 20,140).
