Brake testing update from BPW
BPW has highlighted some of the factors to consider when selecting a means of assessing brake performance, as well as details of a recent update on annual testing procedure issued by DVSA.
On 21 August, DVSA stated that it had approved load simulation brake rollers for annual testing.
“With this method, vehicles may not need to be loaded before testing,” said BPW.
“Vehicles currently exempt from laden brake testing remain exempt, but the DVSA still recommends testing, even if an exemption applies.”
The news comes in the context of an increased focus by DVSA in recent years on the importance of laden brake testing. For operators, the current version of the DVSA’s Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness published in April covers the need for risk assessments when not carrying out a laden brake performance assessment, acceptable reasons for not doing so, and examples of laden brake testing and risk assessment scenarios.
The Guide emphasises DVSA’s expectation that every safety inspection will include a brake performance assessment. Among the acceptable methods of performing this are a laden roller brake test (RBT) and an electronic brake performance monitoring system (EBPMS).
“Each method has its advantages, and what works for one company may not work for another, therefore, key factors like fleet size and additional costs must be taken into consideration,” said BPW.
“For some fleet operators, a laden RBT will remain the preferred choice, offering a direct, physical assessment of braking performance.
“But for those looking for a more informed data-driven insight, EBPMS is the smarter alternative. This decision is not just a matter of compliance: it is a strategic decision that could influence a fleet’s overall efficiency, safety, and profit.”
Said BPW: “The RBT has long been the industry standard for brake performance testing. During this procedure, the service brake is applied to the maximum, where the braking force for each wheel station is recorded.”
But while RBT remains a trusted compliance method, says BPW, for some, meeting recent changes to the requirements poses a logistical challenge.
“Not all operators have access to a test centre or the necessary loading equipment,” the company continued.
“As a result, operators have been forced to hire additional staff dedicated to loading and unloading trailers, significantly increasing operational costs. With more brake tests required, downtime and overheads continue to rise.”
BPW idem Telematics EBPMS demonstrates compliance with the current DVSA requirements as set out in the Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness.
“Unlike an RBT, which requires a planned visit to a test centre, EBPMS continuously monitors braking performance in real-time while the vehicle is in service.
“EBPMS gathers data collected from the Electronic Braking System (EBS), combined with its telematics system, to generate real-time data reports. The longer the system is used, the more accurate the data becomes.
“By continuously monitoring brake performance, operators can identify potential issues well before the next maintenance interval. Providing there is sufficient data, EBPMS can be programmed to generate reports in line with a fleet maintenance schedule.”
It is important to remember that EBPMS cannot entirely replace an RBT, adds BPW.
“They are two different methods of measuring brake performance; therefore, an RBT must be performed during the annual MOT.”
Additionally, EBPMS cannot assess parking brake performance, BPW adds. Full details of how parking brake performance may be assessed when EBPMS is fitted on a trailer can be found in the DVSA Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness.
The company said that operators would need to determine the best compliance strategy for their fleet: whether to “continue to use traditional laden RBT with its logistical demands, or [to] transition to the smarter, data-driven alternative BPW idem Telematics EBPMS, designed to reduce downtime and improve efficiency.”
