HVIA chief Brett Wright says extension will allow development of a more robust procedure
Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) has commended the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR’s) agreement to extend the existing roller brake testing transition in New South Wales to January next year.
NHVR chief engineer Les Bruzsa says it is the result of feedback given to the NHVR by HVIA, NSW Roads and Maritime Services (RMS), and Australian Trucking Association (ATA) following heavy vehicle roller brake trials held at Marulan Heavy Vehicle Testing Station in NSW last month.
The current transition period was extended to end on September 29, but following feedback from the trial it was agreed that an extension will allow further industry research.
“A program of 21 brake testing trials was conducted on August 14-15 and included deceleration tests and roller brake tests on up to three roller brake machines,” Bruzsa says.
“The objective of the heavy vehicle roller brake trials was to identify the best method to ensure compliant brake systems will not be incorrectly defected, and to improve safety outcomes by ensuring defective brakes can be correctly identified.
“The heavy vehicle roller brake test trials have generated a large amount of test data, and the data is currently being compiled and verified.
“Further analysis of this data is required to develop a fair, robust and repeatable national testing procedure that delivers the desired safety improvements.”
NHVR believes the extension will give authorities an opportunity to develop a more robust procedure.
Cooperation and discussions between the industry, technical experts, equipment manufacturers, the NHVR and other regulatory partners will ensure the final in-service brake test will be technically sound and improve safety, Bruzsa says.
HVIA says it is pleased with the regulator’s “measured approach” to the transition arrangements.
HVIA chief executive Brett Wright says the results of the National Roadworthiness Baseline Survey reflected a clear need for an appropriate and fair procedure, particularly for trailers.
Speaking about the Marulan trial, Wright says the display of collaboration at Marulan, was a testimony to the industry and the regulator’s joint efforts to find a solution to the complex issue.
The trial should set the tone for sorting through both technical and policy issues in the future, Wright says.
The data gathered at the trial is currently being analysed to inform the development of national roller brake testing requirements that align with the increased brake performance standard set in the National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual (NHVIM).
“The tests compared all sorts of different scenarios including trailers fitted with advanced braking systems, such as stability control and ABS,” Wright says.
“Importantly, the vehicles were tested as they are typically presented at a roadside test station or mobile test unit.
“There was no special preparation of vehicles to try and get the best test results.”