Anti-lock systems compulsory in 1991
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• Legislation requiring some HGVs, PSVs and trailers to be fitted with anti-lock braking systems has been announced by the Government. This is to comply with European Community Directive 88/194.
Trailers and semi-trailers over 10 tonnes first used on or after 1 October 1991 will require ABS, Semi-trailers will need one wheel on each side to be sensed, while full trailers will require diagonally opposite wheels on the front and rear axles to be monitored and independently controlled.
All tractive units and prime movers over 16 tonnes will need category one ABS systems which effectively means sensing and controlling all wheels on a 4x2 vehicle. This also applies to coaches over 12 tonnes and comes into force with vehicles first used on or after 1 April 1992.
The legislation will he introduced as an amendment to Con
Anti-lock braking systems: The date for mandatory fitment is finally announced, struction and Use regulations, Annual testing will be restricted to checking if the warning light is working and giving the correct blink code to indicate that the System is functioning correctly.
However. the Vehicle Inspectorate is pressing for a European standard warning lamp sequence that will convey more information about the system than is currently available.
OAR heavy commercial vehicles entering service on or after 1 Oct 1994 will have to be fitted with automatic brake adjusters if an EC draft directive is accepted. Under its recommendations vehicles entered for type approval will need auto adjusters as standard from 1 Oct 1992.
The draft, 111/4071-90 ammends directive 71/320/EEC and is expected to be adopted for the 1992 package.
Most trucks and all heavy PSVs are fitted with auto adjusters as standard but fitment to trailers is at the discretion of the operator — equipping a triaxle trailer would add around £250 to the price.
Trailer manufacturer Crane Fruehauf has been fitting Gar phyttan Haldex auto slack adjus ters for some years and considers that they are a no cost extra'.
The on-cost of the new trailer being offset against reduced maintenance time.