In a recent Twitter update concerning a physical check at a lorry park, the inspectorate stated that a week earlier it had used drones to monitor compliance with weekly rest rules.
The inspectorate did not shed light on specifically how it was using the drones. One would presume they are used to quickly hover over rest areas during the weekend to see how many drivers are moving in and out of their cabs. If there is sufficient activity, there is a chance that some are on their weekly rest period but not staying in a hotel or other suitable accommodation.
As regards the aforementioned physical check, it took place at a rest area in Dordrecht last weekend. Inspectors found several drivers who had been spending their normal weekly rest in the cabin of their truck. The Dutch commercial vehicle inspectorate says that the employers of these drivers failed to offer alternative accomodation and will now be penalised.
Afgelopen weekend controles met behulp van drones en vanochtend fysieke controle te Dordrecht op het doorbrengen van de wekelijkse rust in het voertuig. Diverse chauffeurs brachten hun normale wekelijkse rust door in de cabine van de vrachtwagen. pic.twitter.com/vcmFt9qckK
— Inspecteur Wegvervoer (@ILT_Wegvervoer) March 6, 2023
It is worth highlighting here that following a recent European Commission explanation, inspectors can no longer demand proof of where a driver spent a previous weekly rest period.
However, if a driver is caught red handed violating weekend rest rules, fines can still be issued. Therefore, if inspectors want to police the rules strictly and thoroughly, many checks will need to be conducted. Perhaps the use of drones is seen as one means of being able to do this in a more efficient manner.