COMMERCIAL vehicle operators are struggling to decipher their brake test reports, according to the Freight Transport Association who, to help operators understand the complex documents, has launched an online guide unsurprisingly titled ‘Brake Test Report’.
FTA’s head of engineering and vehicle standards policy, Phil Lloyd stated: ‘Transport managers without an engineering background should understand that even though a report says ‘Pass, there may still be issues that need to be considered. This guide will help readers understand how brake performance is calculated and what else they should be looking out for, as well as deciphering some of the engineering jargon that is often included in the reports.’
The guide mirrors the comments of Scottish Traffic Commissioner Claire Gilmore, speaking in Falkirk at the Scottish venue in FTA’s record breaking 2019 Transport Manager series, when she stressed; ‘Analysing brake test printouts carefully is vital. It is how operators and transport managers can make sure roller brake tests complement the preventative maintenance inspections. Without this, how can they know whether the braking systems are in good, efficient working order and properly adjusted?’
Members can download the PDF guide through the members’ section of the FTA website:
www.fta.co.uk/braketestreport
Also on the STC’s agenda was the unnecessary trauma of bridge bashing and the FTA has also taken up this campaign in support of Network Rail’s ‘Wise Up, Size Up’ promotion.
FTA is reiterating its calls for CV drivers and operators to ensure they are taking precautionary steps to prevent their vehicles from striking bridges. While the workload of HGV drivers often increases in the holiday season, it is no excuse not to plan ahead; they should, in partnership with their operators, always pay close attention to vehicle and load heights to ensure that they are safe to pass through bridge clearances in their route planning.
Striking a bridge can result in the offending business having to pay substantial bills to repair both the bridge and the vehicle, as well as compensation for any resulting train delays, which can be a significant amount; both the driver and operator also run the risk of losing their licences.
