Wheel loss remains a very serious issue in the eyes of the authorities: unsurprising, given the potential consequences should the loose wheel strike another vehicle or person, or control of the truck or coach be lost. Even if there is no third-party damage or injury, a wheel-loss incident will probably lead to an ‘S’ marked prohibition, indicating a serious failing in maintenance – and this, in turn, will likely trigger an unannounced maintenance inspection by DVSA. Not only that, more often than not there will be a subsequent invitation to a public inquiry (PI) before a traffic commissioner.
As Kevin Rooney, the West of England traffic commissioner, explained to the recent Transport Manager Conference hosted by Logistics UK in Somerset, action taken by the operator after such an occurrence will have a key role in determining the legal consequences.
“What do you do if a wheel falls off?” he asked. “Some operators will launch an investigation straight away: including getting an independent report on the failed components, as well as examining when the wheel was last removed, and whether it was torqued and retorqued properly afterwards.”
However, he warned: “Others don’t. When I asked an operator who appeared before me at a PI what preventative action he had taken following a wheel-loss incident, he replied that he’d done nothing because he was waiting for me to tell him what to do.
“This is not the way to do it. You must take preventative action as soon as the prohibition is issued.”
Cover all bases
According to solicitors Backhouse Jones, operators who find themselves in this unfortunate position should be prepared to produce evidence of robust systems being in place when it comes to wheel security; full details of all in-service wheel security monitoring as well as all removals, fittings, torques and retorques (regardless of who completes the activity) must be comprehensively documented. That documentation – and its accurate completion – must form part of the transport management audit of vehicle maintenance systems/procedures and it must be retained on file.
Drivers should be reminded that they can also face action if it appears they failed to spot symptoms of wheel security failure during their daily walk-around check.
Rooney cautioned against panicking and producing fake evidence of inspections after the event. “The falsification of records will see you leaving the industry,” he stated.
The traffic commissioner told the conference that updated advice on wheel security was likely to be included in the next edition of the Department for Transport’s Guide to Roadworthiness, but publication had been delayed by the UK general election: apparently it was regarded as ‘politically sensitive’!
Meanwhile, the IRTE’s guide to wheel security is acknowledged across the industry as presenting ‘best practice’ on the issue. Members can download it at www.tinyurl.com/bddtzn5j.
In summary, the guide suggests that following road wheel removal and refitting, the wheel nut torque should be checked after the vehicle has been standing for 30 minutes or after having travelled for between 40km and 80km (25 to 50 miles). All retorque checks must be recorded and details retained on file.
These stipulations should be included in any agreement between the operator and a service provider, whether this be a workshop undertaking general checks and maintenance, or a specialist tyre service provider. Ultimately though, responsibility cannot be entirely delegated from the operator, who has undertaken to maintain its vehicles in a roadworthy condition, to a third-party workshop which actually maintains them.
Even if these process are followed, wheel loss can still occur. False torque readings can be generated by the increased friction of dry, dirty or damaged threads on wheel fasteners, and dirt, corrosion or paint on the interface between wheel and hub can allow fretting between the two components which will eventually lead to fastener damage and failure. The onus is very much on the individual working on the vehicle to ensure that everything is inspected, cleaned and lubricated as required before the wheel is reinstalled.
For extra security, there is a wide variety of wheel nut locking devices and movement indicators and detection systems to choose from on the aftermarket. These are generally effective if used as directed, but obviously there is little point in fitting them unless they are regularly checked, and any problem indicated addressed immediately.
Coglock in action
One such safety measure – featured in the October 2024 issue of Transport Engineer – is Coglock, which has been trialled by Midland Fleet Commercials. CogLock provides a wheel security solution to help protect operators and their fleets. Specifically designed to prevent wheel detachment, CogLock’s design provides a visual indicator, secure locking mechanism and streamlines maintenance.
Based in Coalville, Leicestershire, Midland Fleet Commercials has a fleet of 200 rental trucks and trailers and has been testing CogLock on one of its demo vehicles.
“Our flagship rental vehicle is currently trialling CogLock and we think it’s a very smart idea and have been impressed with the product,” reports Tom Butler, owner of Midland Fleet Commercials. “All of our vehicles are fitted with wheel nut indicators as standard but, following the trial, we have decided to make the switch to CogLock on our entire rental fleet – due to enhanced safety on wheel security and overall protection.”
The team at Midland Fleet Commercials has been trained in using CogLock and found the concept simple to understand and the product user friendly. CogLock founder, Chris Coghill, says: “It’s fantastic news that Midland Fleet Commercials has confirmed that it will be fitting CogLocks to its entire rental fleet following a successful trial.
“The product officially launches in spring 2025 as these initial trials have allowed me to gather real world feedback and ensure that we have developed the best product possible,” he adds.
CogLock is suitable for all HGVs, buses and coaches and is aimed at all fleet operators, customers who have experienced wheel loss in the past or continue to see issues with loose wheel nuts, and vehicle providers.
As well as training, all vehicles fitted with CogLocks are issued with a door decal with a QR code, which provides operating and repair instructions to any driver or technician who hasn’t yet received training on the product.
