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New roller brake testing procedures will commence across Australia from today following industry-wide consultation into brake testing methods and actual vehicle brake testing studies.
NHVR Chief Engineer Les Bruzsa said the new procedure followed extensive consultation with manufacturers, Australian Trucking Association, Truck Industry Council, Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia and NSW Roads and Maritime Services.
"The national brake testing standard of 45%g, or 4.4kN/t, was released as part of the National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual in 2016," Mr Bruzsa said.
"The NHVR has worked closely with Roads and Maritime Services and the heavy vehicle industry to look at why some roller brake testing methods deliver differing results, when compared to other in-service brake testing methods.
"The working group has now developed the National roller brake testing procedure with machines used by state jurisdictions to be updated over the next 12 months.
"The working group has focused on identifying issues and delivering a robust procedure that will be effective for all vehicle types using current roller brake testing infrastructure."
The new National roller brake test procedure will require software updates to roller brake test machines, with initial updates to occur over the next 12 months.
An initial three-month start-up period including information, training and minor equipment changes for state jurisdictions is underway.
Heavy vehicle inspections will continue under the current arrangements until May 1 after which all tests will be performed using either the National roller brake testing procedure or the Alternative phase in procedure.
For roller brake testing machines operated by accredited third party examiners (commonly known as Authorised Inspection Stations) machines will be updated as part of routine servicing over the next 12 months and the new national procedure adopted once the machine is updated.
The NHVR will continue to consult with relevant parties on the effectiveness of the new procedures. Additionally, the NHVR will assess new developments in technology as they become available to determine if further improvements can be made.
For more information visit www.nhvr.gov.au/nrbt
Contact: Andrew Berkman | 0429 128 637