Brakes head new EU rep
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by Brian Weatherley UK truck operators face various new vehicle construction regulations in the next five years, including a demand for enhanced downhill braking, lower drive-by noise levels and front underrun protection.
By 1 March 2002, under the current EC directive 98/12. ABS braking will be required on all newly registered CVs above 3.5 tonnes. However, CM has also learned that the ABS directive includes a proposal calling for the fitment of endurance braking systems to Improve the downhill braking of all new HMIs. The proposal would affect all trucks over 12 tonnes authorised to tow a trailer of more than 10 tonnes gross weight. The actual braking performance is expected to be the same as that required on ADR vehicles.
According to Daf Trucks' UK homologation and legislation manager, Nick Smith: "Ifs really based on the train weight of the vehicle—the heavier the vehicle, the harder the braking job will be."
Des UK light/medium line product manager Chris Haynes says the latest LF range will be able to meet the proposed requirement with its standard exhaust brake.
However, engineering manager John Beveridge reports that some models in the heavier CF75/85 range are likely to need a Daf Engine Brake, which works in the same way as a Jake Brake, or possibly even a retarder.
Other forthcoming rags include the adoption of front under-run protection on all newly registered trucks from 7.5 tonnes Milli by 10 August 2003, and, tying in with the Eure-4 emission standards, a reduced noise level.
Under the scheme, the drive-by noise limits of trucks with engines of 180hp and above will be reduced from 80 to 788(A), and those with engines below 181)hp would come down from 78 to 76dB(A).
II Included in the proposed regs covering the extension of ABS is a rule governing the use of ABS warning lights. Smith says: 'What they've said in the consultation document is that if the ABS light comes on during a journey you must stop. That's different from today, where if the ABS Light illuminates you can complete the journey to a point where it can be repaired. It's fine for vehicles running up and down the motorway, but with an eight-wheeler working on a site it's not so easy. They're hardly going to stop in the mud just because the light comes on."