Testing on own premises could be costly
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ALTHOUGH the Minister of Transport has announced that annual testing of heavy vehicles is to be undertaken at special Government stations, he is still willing to examine the possibility of Ministry examiners testing large fleets on their own premises. The TRTA and RBA have been asked to assess the probable demand from operators for such a facility, and are now asking members to indicate whether they are interested.
But the TRTA has warned that " homeground " testing may prove expensive. The Ministry's plans for the public stations include installation of a static brake tester costing about .£3,000 and an operator would either have to provide one of these or be able to provide his vehicles in fully laden condition, complete with weighbridge ticket, on a piece of track off the public highway suitable for undertaking testing by Tapley deceleration meter.
The operator would have to pay an economic fee for the examiner's time (possibly at a higher rate than at Government stations) and would have to make an inspection pit available. The Ministry is also expected to ask that at least six vehicles should be ready at any time, to ensure a day's work for the examiner.
The Association has urged the Ministry to ensure that tests are planned to give the least possible disruption to operators' work, with test stations open in the evenings and at week-ends, for instance.