Federal Government enters final stage of discussions with manufacturers and operators to mandate ABS for heavy trucks, trailers and buses
April 26, 2013
The Federal Government has entered into the final stage of discussions with heavy vehicle manufacturers and operators to mandate antilock braking systems (ABS) for heavy trucks, trailers and buses.
The proposal is part of the National Heavy Vehicle Braking Strategy, which aims to introduce more modern braking systems into the Australian heavy vehicle fleet.
ABS detects any tendency for wheels to lock during hard braking and automatically intervenes to prevent it happening, which Road Safety Minister Catherine King says can help keep heavy vehicles stable when in emergency braking situations.
“It’s important for the heavy vehicle industry to have its say on how best to maintain productivity levels while making our roads safer, which is why I have agreed to a one-month period for the peak industry bodies to comment on a consultation regulation impact statement,” King says.
The proposal includes allowing load proportioning braking systems for heavy trailers as an alternative to ABS.
King says industry bodies are also developing a code of practice to help operators optimise the performance of different braking technologies when combining trucks and trailers together.
She says changing the Australian Design Rules to mandate ABS could save over 50 lives on Australian roads over the first four years of implementation.
“ABS is an accepted technology that features in many of our personal and family vehicles, so it makes good sense to consider it for heavier vehicles which have an equal if not greater need to brake quickly and safely,” King says.
Government plans to mandate ABS is only one option being considered. King says the next phase of the National Heavy Vehicle Braking Strategy involves considering more advanced braking technology such as electronic stability control.
