LCV fleet operators who require their sub-3.5-tonne vans to tow trailers have been told to use digital tachograph adaptors, which received EU approval recently.

The combined weight of vans towing trailers can exceed the level at which they should have tachographs fitted.

However many vans could not physically have the devices fitted, meaning they were often being driven illegally.

Now the rules have been adapted by the European Commission to accommodate the new adaptors.

Fleet operators are advised to have the adaptors fitted to avoid any compliance issues.

“We spotted this problem quite early on and raised it with the European Commission, putting across the concerns of vehicle operators at the smaller end of the market,” said Andy Mair, head of engineering policy at the Freight Transport Association (FTA).

“This ruling will make compliance easier and more practicable for an often overlooked group.”

The adaptor can only be used on vehicles first put into service before 2013.

“After that point it is unclear what manufacturers are doing to ensure that digital tachographs can be fitted to smaller vehicles,” added Mr Mair.