The Australian Trucking Association has congratulated the Government for listening to the industry and requiring all new heavy vehicle trailers to be fitted with anti-lock or load proportioning brakes.

The Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Jamie Briggs, announced the new standards yesterday. They will take effect from 1 July 2014 for all new model trailers and 1 January 2015 for all new trailers.

The Chief Executive of the ATA, Stuart St Clair, said the requirement would help truck drivers retain control of their vehicles in emergency situations, such as when braking hard on a wet road.

“Last year, the ATA urged the Government to introduce the new standards. It’s a key safety measure in our strategic plan. The Government’s own regulation impact statement shows that requiring ABS for heavy trucks, trailers and buses will save more than 50 lives on our roads over the next thirty years,” Mr St Clair said.

“I want to congratulate Minister Briggs for listening to the industry. I also want to congratulate the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development for working so closely with the ATA’s experts on the technical specifics of the new standards, such as the requirements for plugs, wiring and data signals.

“I’m pleased to say there will only be minimal exemptions from the standards. Very heavy trailers will be exempt – these trailers already meet the performance requirements because of their weight – as will road train converter dollies.

“Special purpose trailers with more than four tyres per axle or more than four axles in a single group will also be exempt. The technology cannot yet deal with these arrangements, and in any case these trailers are used under very restricted conditions, often involving escort vehicles and weather restrictions.

“The ATA will continue working with other industry associations on developing a code of practice to help operators combine trucks and trailers with different braking technologies.

“We will also keep lobbying for the introduction of even stronger brake standards in the future. As the next step, the Government needs to mandate electronic braking systems with roll stability assist for trucks carrying bulk loads of flammable or combustible liquids, explosives and radioactive substances,” Mr St Clair said.