Safer trailer legislation looming

The Federal Government has unveiled legislation requiring heavy trailers to be fitted with either ABS or a load proportioning brake system

The federal Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Jamie Briggs, recently approved a new Australian Design Rule that requires the mandatory fitting of ABS brakes or a load proportioning brake system to all new heavy trailers.

The change will come into law from July 2014.

“The change to safety standards for heavy trailers will complement the recent mandating of ABS for new heavy trucks and buses scheduled to commence at the same time,” stated Briggs in a media release.

The new legislation signals the completion of the initial phase of the National Heavy Vehicle Braking Strategy. According to the Government’s own regulation impact statement, the legislation is expected to save 50 lives over the next 30 years.

The Australian Trucking Association has applauded the move, with the ATA’s Chief Executive, Stuart St Clair, thanking the Government for listening to the Australian truck industry’s concerns.

“I want to congratulate Minister Briggs for listening to the industry,” he said. “I also want to congratulate the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development for working so closely with the ATA’s experts on the technical specifics of the new standards, such as the requirements for plugs, wiring and data signals.

“I’m pleased to say there will only be minimal exemptions from the standards. Very heavy trailers will be exempt – these trailers already meet the performance requirements because of their weight – as will road train converter dollies.

“Special purpose trailers with more than four tyres per axle or more than four axles in a single group will also be exempt. The technology cannot yet deal with these arrangements, and in any case these trailers are used under very restricted conditions, often involving escort vehicles and weather restrictions.

“The ATA will continue working with other industry associations on developing a code of practice to help operators combine trucks and trailers with different braking technologies.

“We will also keep lobbying for the introduction of even stronger brake standards in the future. As the next step, the Government needs to mandate electronic braking systems with roll stability assist for trucks carrying bulk loads of flammable or combustible liquids, explosives and radioactive substances.”

Safer trailer legislation looming

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