TIP has announced that over 23,000 trailers are now equipped with BrakePlus, its Electronic Braking Performance Monitoring System (EBPMS). This milestone comes more than six months after the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) updated its guidelines regarding heavy goods vehicle braking assessments. These installations aim to support UK transport operators in maintaining regulatory compliance.
Highlights
- Significant Adoption: Over 23,000 trailers now utilize TIP’s BrakePlus EBPMS following updated DVSA guidelines.
- Regulatory Compliance: The system helps operators meet the April update to the ‘Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness,’ which mandates braking assessments at every service inspection.
- Operational Efficiency: EBPMS reduces the need for frequent physical roller brake tests, minimizing vehicle downtime.
- Continued Growth: TIP projects an additional 2,000 to 3,000 installations over the next six months.
DVSA Guideline Updates Drive Adoption
The DVSA updated its ‘Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness’ (GTMR) in April. The revised guidelines stipulate that operators of commercial goods vehicles must ensure braking systems are assessed during every scheduled service inspection. This assessment can be conducted via a physical roller brake test or through a report generated by an EBPMS.
Awareness regarding the cost and operational advantages of EBPMS has increased significantly over the last year. Many operators are transitioning away from frequent workshop visits required for roller brake tests in favor of continuous electronic monitoring.
Karl Davies, Commercial Director at TIP, noted the logistical challenges of traditional testing methods. “The cost and inconvenience of having to visit a workshop for a roller brake test every few weeks to comply with the new guidelines is not inconsiderable,” said Davies. “Most operators feel it is counter-productive to take a trailer off the road for a day to undertake a roller brake test and it’s a major reason why many operators have opted for EBPMS.”
Continuous Monitoring vs. Physical Testing
BrakePlus monitors braking performance continually by measuring brake force and comparing it with deceleration data. This allows operators to visualize brake effectiveness and identify performance deterioration in real-time. However, TIP emphasizes that physical roller brake tests remain a critical component of maintenance, a stance supported by the GTMR.
Davies clarified the distinct roles of each assessment method, noting they are complementary rather than mutually exclusive. EBPMS provides ongoing data on on-road performance, alerting operators to potential issues so remedial action can be taken.
“It doesn’t necessarily identify which axle is at issue and, of course, doesn’t test the park brake,” Davies explained. “On the other hand, roller brake tests identify a performance issue immediately, including which axle it relates to.”
Integrating EBPMS with Workshop Operations
Despite the rise of electronic monitoring, physical testing facilities remain essential. TIP utilizes roller brake tests at its nationwide network of workshops whenever BrakePlus highlights a system anomaly. Because remedial work requires workshop attendance, performing a roller brake test provides necessary analysis both before and after repairs.
This principle extends to the annual MOT. A laden roller brake test offers an additional layer of compliance verification while the trailer is already present in the workshop environment.
Future Outlook and Market Impact
TIP reports strong momentum for BrakePlus, driven by the lead-up to the guideline changes and the subsequent six-month period. The company expects to install between 2,000 and 3,000 additional units in the coming half-year.
Davies highlighted that adoption extends beyond TIP’s direct rental fleet. “Many of the systems have been fitted to trailers that are not part of TIP’s direct rental fleet, but that are third-party owned,” he said. “The value of having our EBPMS fitted is there for all to see and we expect BrakePlus’ popularity will only continue to grow.”
About TIP
TIP is a market leader in transportation and logistics services, providing rental, leasing, and value-added equipment solutions across Europe. Established in 1968, the company offers maintenance, repair, breakdown assistance, and asset tracking, including electronic braking performance monitoring.
Visit TIP’s website: www.tip-group.com to learn more.
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