Can HVIA members change Australian Design Rules? Yes, we can – with important changes to the ADR on trailer brake systems officially becoming law on January 30 following successful representations to government by HVIA and its members!
In late November, HVIA reported on progress towards achieving a key amendment to ADR 38/05 (Trailer Brake Systems) required to harmonise a clause relating to the rounding of a brake system component’s response time with its international equivalent. The difference had the potential to limit the supply of next-generation electronic braking system technology to Australia.
Formal representations to the Federal Department of Infrastructure on behalf of affected members resulted in the interim adoption of the international regulation’s rounding value. And on January 30 this year, that change became law when the ADR revisions were officially signed off by the Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Senator Anthony Chisholm.
The change now allows Australia’s market-leading brake systems suppliers to bring the latest safety technology to Australia.
With Electronic Stability Control (ESC) mandated for all new heavy trailers from July 2019, the change has the potential to impact thousands of trailers hitting the market in Australia every year, including all trailers and dollies used in Performance Based Standards (PBS) combinations, which are almost exclusively fitted with the electronic brake systems.
Simply, it is a multi-million-dollar benefit for the industry and highlights the impact of a strong and active industry association, working on impactful reforms on behalf of all members. HVIA members, working collectively, can change Australian Design Rules!
HVIA’s brake regulation working group now boasts representatives from the three largest heavy vehicle brake system suppliers in Australia, being SAF-Holland Haldex, Knorr-Bremse and ZF Wabco, as well as four of Australia’s leading brake system installers, certifiers and engineers, including Air Brake Systems, Air Brake Corporation, Transport Engineering Solutions and Transport Equipment Australia.
For more information, please contact Adam Ritzinger, HVIA’s Chief Technical Officer, at a.ritzinger@hvia.asn.au