Current UK agricultural vehicle braking legislation
Prior to the introduction of harmonised European braking regulations for agricultural trailers & trailed equipment, UK legal requirements are specified by the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations (1986) and subsequent relevant amendments.
The C and U Regulations effectively split agricultural trailers and trailed equipment braking requirements into two speed related categories.
Up to 20mph/ 32km/h: C and U Regulation 16 applies.
Trailer service brake must generate at least 25% braking efficiency when fully laden
Service braking system must act on at least half the wheels/axles.
Single-line hydraulic or pneumatic brake actuation is acceptable, but if trailer gross weight exceeds 14230Kg, the service brakes must be operated directly from the tractor's service braking system.
Parking brake must act on at least half the wheels and stop them from rotating when applied
Above 20mph/ 32km/h: C and U Regulation 15 applies as for commercial vehicles.
Trailer service braking efficiency must be 45% minimum.
Service braking system must be dual-line and failsafe, but not necessarily pneumatic. The driver must be able to apply the trailer brakes should any part of the towing vehicle's braking system fail. The trailer brakes should also apply (automatically) if the tractor-trailer accidentally separates
ABS (antilock braking) has been required since 2002
Parking brake must hold the laden, uncoupled trailer stationary on a 16% slope
So, if travelling faster than 20 mph, UK law requires nearly twice as much trailer braking performance plus additional safety features to deal with the unexpected. In either case there is a legal requirement to adjust and maintain braking systems in good and efficient working order. Coincidentally, the higher speed requirements (except ABS) are very similar to those proposed for future EU-wide introduction.
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