The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) recently updated its "Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness," which provides essential guidance for operators, drivers, and maintenance providers of commercial goods and passenger-carrying vehicles. This comprehensive guide outlines the responsibilities and systems necessary to ensure vehicles remain in roadworthy condition, regardless of operating conditions, fleet size, or vehicle type.
Key Updates in the Latest Edition:
1. Outsourcing Maintenance Work:
The updated guide emphasises that operators remain responsible for the condition of their vehicles, even when maintenance is outsourced. It advises operators to ensure that contractors' facilities are adequate and that all maintenance documentation is properly reviewed and questioned if necessary.
2. Braking Performance Assessment:
New guidance has been added on using approved and calibrated decelerometers to measure overall brake efficiency for rigid vehicles without trailers or those unsuitable for roller brake testing. Operators are reminded of their responsibility to ensure braking performance meets the requirements of The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986.
3. Electronic Braking Performance Monitoring Systems (EBPMS):
The guide now includes detailed instructions on using EBPMS, highlighting the importance of documenting reasons for not conducting roller brake tests. This documentation is crucial, as the DVSA and Traffic Commissioners may scrutinise the absence of roller brake test records, especially with upcoming changes to brake testing requirements effective from April 2025.
Implications for Operators:
Operators should thoroughly review the updated guide to understand the new expectations and ensure compliance. Key actions include:
- Reviewing Maintenance Contracts: Ensure that any outsourced maintenance work is performed by contractors with adequate facilities and that all maintenance records are meticulously reviewed.
- Enhancing Brake Testing Procedures: Familiarise yourself with the new guidance on braking performance assessments and EBPMS to prepare for the forthcoming changes in brake testing requirements.
Staying informed and proactive in implementing these updates is crucial for maintaining vehicle safety and compliance with UK roadworthiness standards.
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