TRADITIONAL LADEN ROLLER BRAKE TESTING VS.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE PERFORMANCE MONITORING.
The commercial vehicle industry faces significant changes in how trailer brakes are tested, with new regulations demanding more frequent and accurate testing procedures. Traditionally, trailer brakes have been tested using a Roller Brake Test (RBT) during the annual MOT inspection. However, recent Driver and Vehicles Standards Agency (DVSA) updates have introduced more stringent requirements to enhance road safety and ensure consistent brake performance.
In the latest version of the DVSA’s Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness, Section 5.3 underscores the critical importance of brake performance testing during safety inspections. Since January 1, 2023, the regulations now mandate that a trailer must undergo brake testing at least four times a year, with one test required during the MOT. Unless exempt, each RBT must be performed with the trailer fully laden, carrying at least 65% of its maximum weight capacity.
Looking ahead to April 2025, the testing landscape will change, whereby a roller brake test (RBT) or an Electronic Brake Performance Monitoring System (EBPMS) will be the primary means for checking trailer brake performance. As the industry faces these changes, the question is: What will you choose?
THE CRUCIAL CHOICE FACING FLEET OPERATORS: As the industry moves toward stricter compliance requirements, fleet operators are now faced with a crucial decision that could significantly impact their operations. They must decide whether to continue with the traditional RBT or transition to a more state-of-the-art EBPMS. This choice is not just a matter of compliance; it is a strategic decision that could influence the overall efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness of their fleet and operations.
ROLLER BRAKE TESTING: THE TRADITIONAL APPROACH: On one hand, the RBT has long been the industry standard for brake performance testing, involving the individual testing of each wheel using drive rollers to turn the wheels before the brake is applied. However, this method comes with its own set of challenges.
Under the new regulations, and the increased frequency of RBTs, means that not all fleet operators have easy access to roller brake testing centres and necessary loading equipment. To meet these demands, some operators have been forced to hire additional staff dedicated solely to loading and unloading trailers, adding considerable expense. These logistical challenges make RBT a time-intensive and potentially costly option for fleet operators.
EBPMS – A CUTTING-EDGE SOLUTION WITH PROVEN BENEFITS: On the other hand, an alternative to the traditional RBT is EBPMS, a solution that is supported by the DVSA. EBPMS monitors in-service braking performance and provides comprehensive reports. Providing there is sufficient data, these reports can be used during a safety inspection in place of an RBT. Sharing EBPMS data demonstrates compliance with the current DVSA requirements (set out in the DVSA Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness) and can reduce brake roller tests from four to one per year.
BPW idem Telematics offers an EBPMS solution that continuously monitors the brakes using data collected from the Electronic Braking System (EBS), combined with it’s telematics system to generate real-time data reports. These reports can be generated on a daily, weekly, monthly, or annual basis, with accuracy improving the longer the system is in use. Reports are easily accessible via a smartphone app or a telematics portal, allowing operators to identify potential braking issues well before scheduled maintenance.
It’s important to remember that EBPMS cannot entirely replace an RBT. They are two different methods of determining brake performance, an RBT must still be performed during an annual MOT test.
BPW: LEADING THE WAY IN COMPLIANCE AND OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY: BPW is at the forefront of these industry changes, with over 125 years of braking experience and more than four million braking systems on the road worldwide, they offer solutions that not only help fleet operators comply with the new regulations but also optimise their operations. BPW idem Telematics provides a comprehensive EBPMS solution designed to meet the evolving needs of the commercial vehicle industry. Fleet managers can rely on BPW for expert guidance, state-of-the-art technology, and continuous support to navigate these regulatory changes with confidence.
WHAT WILL YOU CHOOSE? Ultimately, the choice is yours: continue with the time-intensive and potentially costly RBT approach or embrace the future with EBPMS. The stakes are high, and with the 2025 deadline fast approaching, the question remains—what will you choose?
**END**
6 September 2024
For further press information, contact Rebecca Wesley or Emma Makings-Hone at BPW Limited:
Telephone: 0116 281 6100 | Email: [email protected] |
[email protected]