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Task force calls fol Lest changes
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• Major changes in annual CV tests are expected following the interim report from a Government task force investigating the rising number of trailer test failures.
Recommendations include new methods for testing the brake performance of unladen vehicles; scrapping secondary brake performance tests: and an end to plate position and plate detail inspections.
Random roadside checks on braking systems to encourage operators to maintain their vehicles better could also be adopted, says Vehicle Inspectorate operations director Julian David.
The taskforce, which is due to meet this week, was set up last February following the VI's annual report. It warned that 25% of commercial vehicles and 18% of trailers were failing tests, with brake problems cited as the most common reason for failure.
The study concludes that ti rising test failure rate for trail ers is not due to a deterioration in maintenance standards Instead, it says: "The introdu tion of the EC braking directi. tractor/trailer compatibility re quirements and the increases the annual test service-brake rformance levels, while proling for safer levels of brake -ce on the road, make it re difficult to achieve pass rels under HGV Testing Stan conditions." Recommendations put forrd to the DTp include: I The VI should advise °perms on good maintenance actice.
I Service-brake force should increased within the upper its of EC requirements. I Plate position and plate de1 inspections should be re)ved from the HGV test and ide a condition of accepting a hide for test.
I Secondary-brake perform ance tests should no longer be carried out, providing an adequate method is devised to test that all features of trailer brake systems are working satisfactorily. E Talks should be held between the Government and manufacturers about relating service-brake performance requirements to the design of certain trailers — especially those with a short wheelbase and a high centre of gravity. El New methods of testing brake performance of unladen vehicles should be sought and introduced.
The VI has already launched a 12-month trial to investigate different brake tests.