More heat than light

This article examines the reasons for trucks and other large vehicles failing annual roadworthiness tests in the UK. The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) runs test stations which are reported as not always meeting test appointment targets, while test fees increase. The most common reason for failure is headlamp aim, with reducing numbers failing mechanical- and safety-related items in the test. The proportion of trucks maintained by dealers and contractors has risen. Trailer test failures have reduced for the fifth successive year: most failures are on brake performance and lamp faults. Random roadside tests showed improvements in rigid trucks but more tractive units and trailers failed roadworthiness testing. An even greater proportion of foreign trucks were issued with prohibitions, justifying increased testing: many of these failed on the driver's view of the road being obstructed by objects in the windscreen area, while trailers failed on brake and tyre faults. VOSA also tests buses and coaches: headlamp aim failures have increased but these vehicles did better than trucks. In house maintenance providers had a better record than external services; the number of targeted roadworthiness checks on buses and coaches was raised for both British and foreign vehicles. Overloading offences continued to increase.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00203122
• Authors:
  • WILCOX, D
• Publication Date: 2008-4

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 18-22
• Serial:
  • TRANSPORT ENGINEER
  • Publisher: Institute of Road Transport Engineeers
  • ISSN: 0020-3122

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Brakes; Buses; Headlamps; Inspection; Motor vehicles; Tires; Trucks; Vehicle maintenance
• Uncontrolled Terms: Headlamp settings
• Geographic Terms: United Kingdom
• ITRD Terms: 1361: Brake; 1272: Bus; 1271: Coach; 1342: Headlamp; 1341: Headlamp setting; 1236: Lorry; 1381: Tyre; 8119: United Kingdom; 1575: Vehicle inspection; 3828: Vehicle maintenance
• Subject Areas: Maintenance and Preservation; Motor Carriers; Public Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment; I95: Vehicle Inspection;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01109433
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Aug 25 2008 8:20AM