CV wheel safety measures get European Parliament support 17 July 2013

The European Parliament (EP) has voted to support testing of commercial vehicle wheels fitted onto non-standard axles as part of the EU Roadworthiness Package, with endorsement from the Department for Transport.

A safety issue was raised as an amendment by Transport Committee chair and North West MEP Brian Simpson, following an initial report in March by Motor Wheel Service Distribution.

MWSD managing director John Ellis presented expert testimony to the Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN).

The EP agrees that wheels and hubs are critical safety components and should be totally compatible, and suggests both roadside technical inspections and periodic vehicle testing.

MWSD has long argued that non-circumferential hubs, which give only partial contact between axle and wheel, are causing untested load stresses which cause cracks and half life expectancy of the wheel.

To improve safety, Ellis called for wheels to be identified as safety critical. He also wanted closer cooperation with OEMs.

He also insisted that all wheels and axles be tested to ETRTO (European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation) standards. And he wanted periodic examinations of wheels, under a 10-point check plan.

Following the EP support, negotiations will now start with the European Council, which has not supported the amendment. Both parties are co-legislators, meaning they have equal power and will work together to finalise an agreement. Further details are due towards the end of the year.

"This is hugely welcome news, and a significant step forwards in promoting wheel safety and the issues being created by non-circumferential hubs," comments Ellis.

"We were also very pleased to see the DfT support the amendment, who we have been working closely with since the outset of the campaign in early 2010."

Author
John Challen

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