New UK Regulation Mandates Quarterly Brake Tests for Trailers Starting April 2025

In a significant move to enhance road safety, the UK's Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has announced that, effective April 2025, all trailers will be required to undergo a minimum of four laden roller brake tests annually, replacing the previous standard of a single test per year. Alternatively, operators can implement an Electronic Braking Performance Monitoring System (EBPMS) to meet compliance requirements.

Enhanced Safety Measures

This regulatory update aims to ensure consistent and reliable braking performance across all commercial trailers. The DVSA's updated Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness specifies that, with few exceptions, only laden roller brake tests or EBPMS will be accepted methods for assessing brake performance from April 2025. (movingon.blog.gov.uk)

Options for Compliance

Fleet operators now face a critical decision: continue with the traditional roller brake tests (RBTs) or transition to a more advanced EBPMS. While RBTs have been the industry standard, they present challenges such as limited access to testing centers and the need for additional staff to manage loading and unloading, leading to increased operational costs. (transportoperator.co.uk)

Hireco Can Help

At Hireco, we make compliance effortless for our customers. All our trailers come equipped with EBPMS tracking as standard, providing a modern solution to ensure brake performance is continuously monitored. At the customer's request, this system can be activated, offering comprehensive performance reports that can replace the need for multiple roller brake tests during safety inspections. This not only ensures compliance but also saves time and operational costs.

Advantages of EBPMS

EBPMS offers a modern solution by continuously monitoring in-service braking performance and providing comprehensive reports. With sufficient data, these reports can replace RBTs during safety inspections, potentially reducing the number of required brake tests from four to one per year. (transportoperator.co.uk)

Industry Adaptation

As the implementation date approaches, fleet operators are encouraged to assess their current brake testing protocols and consider integrating EBPMS to ensure compliance and maintain operational efficiency. Early adoption of these systems can lead to improved safety outcomes and cost savings in the long term.

For detailed guidance, operators should consult the DVSA's Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness and consider engaging with industry experts to navigate this transition effectively. With Hireco, you can rest assured that your fleet is ready for the future.