Trucks: Automatic Retarder Mandatory

12 years, 6 months ago - 30 May 2012, The Défi Media Group

From 1 July, the truck must be equipped with an automatic retarder. Indeed, all fatal accidents that have occurred since the beginning of the year and involving these vehicles are due to problems of the braking system. This measure also applies to individual bus and transportation companies.

After the license plates and fire extinguishers, the National Transport Authority introduced a new measure to improve road safety. Initially, this measure should apply from 1 July 2011, she was rejected by the authorities, just to give a one-year moratorium on drivers.

Now heavy vehicles will be equipped with an automatic retarder or "speed limit". This measure comes into force on 1 July and for trucks. It applies to all trucks and buses will be equipped with this piece sold in the range of Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000 at suppliers across the island. Some 15,000 trucks and 2,000 buses are affected by this new regulation.

Imported from Germany, Dubai and China, the automatic speed bumps (called black boxes in our jargon) include several electrical son that act directly on the engine which they are connected.

The box will slow down, say, a truck without having to touch the brakes. The engine will run more quickly, more speed bumps will be effective. This equipment is mounted directly on the deck or the gearbox. "The engine will then behave like a compressor that is driven by the drive shaft via the gearbox. This system is complemented by an exhaust brake that slows the release of exhaust gases at 70 km / h ", we have been explained.

Acting for the Controller of Transport National Transport Authority, this measure provides a clear economic interest and also stands as a bulwark against the fatal accidents. To date, some transport companies, such as the United Bus Service, have equipped their fleet of automatic speed bumps. "On a fleet of 300 vehicles, 275 buses are now equipped," says Aleem Bundhoo, communications director of UBS.

"We did not wait for the end of the moratorium period to implement this measure. We hope other companies will do the same for public safety. "

For its part, the Bus Owners Cooperative Society Ltd. welcomed the measure. Even if it represents an additional investment for operators. Doopsing Gowrisungkur, a representative of the cooperative, wants the state grants them a discount on the purchase of this equipment. "It's not easy to buy such a piece to Rs 10,000, given the number of buses that will equip. It's good for the traveling public and everyone must respect the law, "he adds.