Over recent years, quite rightly, there has been a lot of focus from the regulators on ensuring operators are properly checking their HGVs’ braking systems, with a steady move towards the expectation that laden roller brake testing takes place.
The current guidance suggests that operators should get their HGV or trailer’s brakes tested by a roller brake tester (RBT) at least four times per year, including at the MOT.
However, from April 2025, there will be an expectation that a laden roller brake test or Electronic Braking Performance Monitoring System (EBPMS) will be the only accepted method to assess brake performance. The reason this hasn’t come in sooner was due to insufficient numbers of roller brake testing equipment in the UK.
The guidance goes on to say that a vehicle must be loaded for a brake test, ideally to at least 65 per cent of its total maximum weight.
It can only be tested unladen if it cannot be loaded due to design limitations, or if this aligns with the type of load it normally carries. Some examples of such vehicles include vehicles which carry food/animal/human waste, livestock vehicles, catering vans and concrete mixers.
The recommendation is always: if you can load it, then do so.
Further actions once the roller brake testing is complete
Once you’ve put your vehicle through the brake test and passes, the job doesn’t stop there – the RBT print out needs to be interrogated.
Despite passing, does the sheet state an axle was insufficiently loaded? If it does, then another test needs to occur but, this time, properly loaded.
Is there a large imbalance which indicates there could be an issue with the brakes? This will need investigating because an imbalance will lead to the vehicle pulling to one side under heavy braking.
Remember, if you’re still using a decelerometer on occasion to check your brakes, a temperature check should be carried out at the same time as a decelerometer test to help identify if individual brakes are operational.
Brakes which are cold (ambient temperature) or showing an inconsistent reading from the brake on the opposite side on the same axle, will need to be investigated further.
When to perform roller brake testing
We are recommending that operators start laden roller brake testing at every Preventative Maintenance Inspection (PMI) now.
There are three reasons for this:
- It’s best practice.
- You’ll be in the routine of doing it before it becomes the expectation.
- You’ll have them arranged and regularly booked in, ahead of any potential scramble for places
This last point is particularly important, especially if next year there is an issue with availability in your area.
What to do if you’re unsure
If you are still unsure of your responsibilities when it comes to roller brake testing – or any other aspect of HGV compliance for that matter – we can assist you.
Please contact us on 01829 773 100 and one of our solicitors will be able to assist you with any query you may have.