01-10-04 RMI and VOSA Close Truck Brake Puzzle
Claims that trucks can pass the brake test at an RMI (Retail Motor Industry) site and fail at the VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) site have been shown to be unfounded.
Earlier this year, several RMI member truck dealers reported that vehicles were passing roller brake tests in their own workshops but failing the same test at nearby VOSA goods vehicle test stations, and that different results were being experienced depending on which VOSA test lane vehicles were tested on. A joint RMI/VOSA investigation was set up to find out why.
Six RMI member sites volunteered to take part, testing vehicles using their own facilities. Immediately after these tests were completed, the vehicles were taken to the local VOSA test station, where they were tested.
Ian Davis-Knight, head of RMI technical operations, explains what they found:
‘The exercise showed that the results were consistent at both RMI member sites and VOSA sites. Vehicles passing the test at one site did so at the other.‘
It was found that the procedures used by RMI members were generally inline with the VOSA test. However, it was noted there were certain aspects of brake tester specification, procedures and practices that required reviewing. Some minor inconsistencies were also found at the VOSA sites, which are being addressed, but none of these would have resulted in incorrect failures.
To address these and other issues, a best practice guide is being produced for anyone preparing a heavy goods vehicle for test.
Davis-Knight added: ‘Both the RMI and VOSA are committed to reducing the incidence of brake performance failure at annual test, and this project has demonstrated the benefits of closer collaboration.’
Roger Trubridge, Scheme Manager for HGV testing at VOSA, concluded that: ’although only a limited sample size of vehicles was supplied, the investigation was sufficiently broad-based to respond positively to the initial claims.’
Trubridge went on to say “to avoid any disputes whether the vehicle should pass or fail the annual test, operators and presenters should, always aim to achieve a service brake efficiency well above the legally required minimum of 50%”
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NOTES TO EDITORS
Copies of the best practice guide "Preparing your heavy vehicle for brake test" will be available later this year from the RMI, VOSA test stations or from the VOSA national number 0870 606 0440. It will also be available on the VOSA website.
Page last updated: 25/09/2006