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TI turns its spotlight on undone brake coils
Page 18
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• by Robin Macros The Vehicle Inspectorate has already started to take action against operators whose vehicles are found without their 1507E38 braking coils properly connected (CM12-18 Dec1.
During the course of roadside inspections in the Carlisle area in early December, 13 vehicles were issued with immediate prohibitions in a four-day period. The checks were part of the Vrs recent campaign near ports in northwest England and southern Scotland.
The clampdown follows concerns about the danger of driving with ABS or EBS cables disconnected; this was highlighted by a fatal collision In 2001. Reconnecting the cables takes Just a few seconds and would render the vehicle safe again, but a VI spokeswoman denies any malice: They [operators] shouldn't be doing this in the first place. And if everyone was just allowed to reconnect and drive on there would be no deterrent."
She adds that where it is safe to de So vehicle examiners are likely to lift the prohibition if the cables can be reconnected at the roadside. But some industry observers remain unconvinced by the VI's hard line.
Bob Stacey. head of technical services at the Road Haulage Association, says: ''We have always said we believe some of their enforcement is a bit over the top. If you're stopped on a bright sunny day at 10am with a tall-light bulb blown you get a prohibition and they won't let you fix it and carry on, even if you have a spare bulb with you. This Is the same."
While an immediate prohibition is obviously appropriate if the brakes are not otherwise being powered through the stoplight circuits, Stacey believes that imposing one where the brakes are still working Is too harsh: it's the most serious of penalties for something that I don't think is the most serious offence. They could Just give you a normal prohibition, for instance, which would still be a black mark."
But the VI spokeswoman concludes: "At the end of the day, if someone may lose their life, It's serious."
• In this week's issue you'll find a free Guide to Safe Ant Coupling produced in association with Haldex. Put it on your traffic office or workshop wall.., and stay legall