G We find a lot of vagueness regarding
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the new vehicle braking standards. Part of our fleet comprises six BMC FJ K160 trucks with a manufacturer's gross capacity rating of 12 tons 10 cwt. although the legal limit for a four-wheeler is 14 tons. What will be the permissible carrying capacity for these vehicles after January 1 1968; will they have to be plated to manufacturer's rating or will they be de-rated in carrying capacity?
AAnnual tests of existing vehicles are due
to start in 1968 and on the occasion of a vehicle's first test it will be plated. Until this happens it is presumed that a vehicle can operate at up to the legal gross limit, provided that after January 1 1968 the vehicle is able to comply with the minimum braking requirements of 45 per cent main and 20 per cent secondary. Again, it is presumed that if a vehicle is stopped for a roadside check it will have to give these interim efficiencies as loaded. So if you continue to run the FJK eight-tonner at 14 tons gross you would be well advised to make sure the braking is up to the required standard.
According to the Ministry of Transport, vehicles will be plated at the testing stations according to a standard list which will normally give the maximum weight and the manufacturers' rating.
It is also presumed that there will be no de-rating below the manufacturer's figure. If a vehicle does not reach the braking efficiency at the weight given in the MoT list it will be sent back for attention. Vehicles on the list will be known to be able to meet the prescribed efficiency and the FJK eight-tonner can definitely do better than 45 and 20 per cent respectively when loaded to 12 tons 10 cwt. gross.