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Whilst the figures demonstrate that brake failures still feature as one of the top ten reasons for MOT failures, statistics relating to 2017/18 have shown a distinct improvement compared with data from 2013/14. This is encouraging for the industry and demonstrates that continual awareness raising regarding brake testing is working in a positive light.
The findings reveal the following.
- In 2017/18 there were almost 10,000 fewer failures for service brake performance than compared with 2013/14
- 5,500 more trailers passed their braking test first time in 2017/18 than in 2013/14.
Whilst the above demonstrates an encouraging picture it must also be highlighted that there were still 22,000 annual test failures regarding service brake performance in 2017/18. The industry therefore needs to remain proactive and mindful that whilst the recent figures demonstrate an encouraging trajectory, there is still much to be done to continue the trend of improvement. Operators can address this by a number of compliance management mechanisms namely;
- Continual refresher training for Transport Managers and engineering/ops departments;
- Arrange for your business to have an independent compliance review assessing your maintenance documents which will highlight what you are doing correctly, what you aren’t and your key areas of risk;
- Attend regular free awareness meetings – such as industry seminars and trade association events;
- Keep abreast of the sector by reading industry news or signing up to the OTC news alerts
According to communication received from the OTC (19 February 2020), frequent brake testing issues raised at Public Inquiry are as follows: –
- “The operators/transport managers are misunderstanding the information provided on the printouts”
- “Technicians conducting brake tests are failing to identify potentially serious road safety issues”
- “Printouts saying “pass” but where it is clear that one or more brakes are not working as they should”
- “Vehicles and trailers being brake tested unladen with wheels locking at very low brake efforts”
- “A lack of understanding that the standard to be applied at PMI inspection must be above the minimum MOT requirement (if the vehicle or trailer is to remain safe and compliant until it is next inspected)”
Taken from the OTC Eshot 19.02.20
If by reading this article you want to take-charge of your compliance and inject some 20:20 strategic business into your business, please contact a member from our road regulatory team 01254 828 300 or email regulatory@backhouses.co.uk
Our O-Licence compliance reviews provide a bespoke, independent snap shot, identifying the level of compliance being achieved by the teams in your business. Reviews are undertaken by our team of regulatory solicitors and will focus on general O-licence issues such as maintenance matters (forward planning, PMI sheets, defect reporting, brake testing) and tachograph analysis. In addition, our in-house training packages focus on refresher TM training and other training regarding ops departments. Visit our Events section of the website to see our next training dates in Clitheroe and London for 2020.