Pulling Up
Page 3
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
A LONG debate in the Lords last week on commercial vehicle speeds and sizes produced many comments about braking capacity. This subject is one of considerable controversy; operators frequently complain about brakes, the technical editor of this journal makes it clear that he is not always satisfied. The Commercial Motor does not believe in . ducking controversial matters, which is why it undertook an investigation (the results of which start on page 54). It is heartening to be able to report that warm co-operation was received from the manufacturers' experts who agreed to assist. Their frank, outspoken discussion will help to clear the air because operators normally have little chance to get the opinions of these top engineers.
One thing that strongly emerges from the discussion is that the designers themselves recognize that braking is a major problem. What is more, their remarks clearly indicate that they are working continually on improvements. On the subject of legal definition of minimum braking standards, the experts are firmly ht favour. They also call for those who manufacture tractive units and trailers really to get to grips with the many problems involved in matching articulated units. Operators are not blameless, as the experts make clear; many hauliers either do not or will not realize the dangers of excessive overloading or lack of maintenance.
This journal's summing-up is: the best possible braking performance must always be the basic right of any new-vehicle purchaser but, equally, he must ensure continuance of that performance in service.