On 23 June 2013, changes to the brake performance test procedures and standards were introduced:
- The minimum brake efficiency requirement for ‘M1’ vehicles first used on, or after 1 September 2010, has been increased to 58%. ‘M1’ vehicles are defined as passenger vehicles with 4 or more wheels and not more than 8 passenger seats in addition to the driver’s seat. (This covers cars, ambulances, dual purpose vehicles, motor caravans etc)
- Brake imbalance is now only measured at maximum brake efforts, regardless of wheel lock. The failure criteria has been relaxed to greater than 30% rather than the previous 25%. Imbalance must be checked across all axles (with the exception of trikes and quads).
VOSA states that these changes have resulted in a simplified manual roller brake test procedure, which no longer requires checks for brake grab or judder, but includes a new check for fluctuation of brake effort.
VOSA also announced that there are some additional checks for vehicles with a single line braking system. This is because the parking brake also performs the secondary brake function. It will therefore be checked for severe ‘grabbing’ during application, as well as for imbalance across the axle. As for the service brake, there must not be more than 30% imbalance measured at maximum efforts.
For advice on transport law issues, contact Jared Dunbar at Dyne Solicitors on 01829 773 100.
Content is believed to be correct at time of writing. Content written on 26 June 2013.