The deregulation of the fee.

The fee for calibration and periodic inspection of tachographs was deregulated from 1 January, 2012 following a consultation with the industry.

The deregulation of the fee:

• Allows the Approved Tachograph Centres and vehicle operators to negotiate a fair fee for the calibration and inspection of tachographs;

• Results in geographical variations in cost being accounted for;

• Better supports vehicle operators looking to have tachographs calibrated during unsociable hours;

• ‘Future-proofs’ calibration/inspection against technological changes which will affect how much work will be involved in the inspection and calibration of tachographs;

• Removes the need for future government involvement in fee setting;

• Incentivises companies considering becoming an Approved Tachograph Centre.  From January the fee charged by Approved Tachograph Centres will be a commercial matter to be agreed with the customer presenting the vehicle.

A summary of the consultation responses can be found at: http://www.vosa.gov.uk/tachograph-fee-deregulation.