The Performance Based Standards (PBS) scheme should not require electronic braking to be retrofitted, the ATA’s submission to the NHVR on how to implement its revised Directional Stability Under Braking (DSUB) standard says.
The submission warns that the NHVR’s proposed approach would require retrofitting ABS/EBS/ESC to converter dollies.
This upgrade could affect a significant number of converter dollies in service. The ATA estimates that retrofitting ABS/EBS/ESC would cost between $5,000 and $10,000 per dolly, including equipment, labour and AVE blue plate certification.
The submission makes six recommendations, including that a proper regulatory impact analysis be carried out to assess the likely safety outcomes and cost of the electronic braking retrofit.