Dip: softly softly on spray
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• Although spray suppression equipment is now part of the annual vehicle test, the Department of Transport is taking a soft line with operators who have "made an effort", but have not quite met the regulations. Such vehicles are generally given a pass, with instructions to further modify the equipment in time for next year's test.
This honeymoon period will last until next year, after which test stations will measure spray suppression devices, and will take a much harder line with vehicles that don't meet the regulations. Test stations however are still failing vehicles without any spray suppression equipment, as relevant vehicles should have been fitted with the devices by November 1987.
Several test stations report that the new regulations have been a "bit of a shock to some operators", especially those who have not "bothered to read up on the Construction and Use regulations".
The spray-suppression requirements currently apply to motor vehicles over 12 tonnes GVW and up to two years old. All semi-trailers over 15 tonnes GVW with two or more axles should have spray suppression equipment fitted. Vehicles exempted include tippers; street sweepers; refuse vehicles; sewage collection vehicles, and trailers carrying complete round logs.