The UK government has recently updated many of its guidelines relating to the maintainance and roadworthiness for trailers, with significant implications for fleet managers and delivery companies. The updated guidelines, as detailed in this government blog post, emphasise the importance of safety, regular maintenance and compliance with new technological requirements.

Key Updates in Trailer Safety Legislation

Maintaining Roadworthiness:

The updated guidelines detail comprehensive steps for maintaining the roadworthiness of lorry trailers. This includes regular inspections, ensuring proper load distribution and checking key components such as brakes, tyres, lights and coupling devices.

From April 2025, all heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) must be equipped with Electronic Brake Performance Monitoring Systems (EBPMS). These systems are designed to continuously monitor brake performance, providing real-time data and identifying any underperforming brakes.

The implementation of EBPMS aims to enhance safety by ensuring that braking issues are promptly detected and addressed, reducing the risk of accidents caused by brake failures.

Annual MOT Requirements:

Since January 2023, it has been mandatory for vehicles and trailers undergoing their annual MOT to be properly loaded. This ensures that brake tests are more meaningful and accurate, reflecting real-world conditions.

Implications for Fleet Managers and Delivery Companies

Compliance and Safety:

Adhering to the updated roadworthiness guidelines and the new brake legislation is crucial for ensuring the safety of your fleet and avoiding legal penalties. Regular checks and maintenance, along with the integration of EBPMS, will help in maintaining high safety standards.

Operational Efficiency:

EBPMS not only improves safety but also enhances operational efficiency by reducing downtime for inspections and repairs. The real-time monitoring capabilities allow for proactive maintenance, ensuring that any issues are addressed before they lead to significant problems.

Training and Implementation:

It’s really important to train maintenance staff on the use and benefits of EBPMS quickly. Understanding how to interpret the data provided by these systems will enable more effective maintenance practices and ensure your fleet’s compliance with the new legislation.

By staying informed and compliant with these updates, fleet managers and delivery companies can ensure their operations remain safe, efficient and legally compliant.

We understand the complexity of these new regulations and we’re here to assist you in navigating them seamlessly. To help get you started, why not download our comprehensive, free guide to stay ahead of the changes and ensure your fleet remains compliant?

Our free guide covers all the new legislation, including Trailer Safety, Tachographs, and Direct Vision Standards (DVS). Equip your team with the knowledge they need to keep your operations running smoothly and safely.