Evaluation of the need for control of brakes on heavy vehicles every six months

The target for the Norwegian Public Roads Administration is that by 2011, 95 % of the heavy vehicles on the road should have a braking effect satisfying the requirement. An investigation of the condition in 2001 indicated that 70 % of the heavy vehicles meet the requirements. Based on an investigation of 241 vehicles, where the condition of the brakes is evaluated against the date of the latest period inspection, a possible effect of biannual inspection is estimated. The vehicles are divided in to two groups - trucks and trailers. Substantial more trailers than trucks fail to be approved but the relative effect of a biannual inspection is greater for trucks. To reach the target is it not sufficient to have biannual inspections, but it may be an important contribution. In addition there is a need for initiatives to make drivers and transport companies more responsibility for maintenance of their vehicles.