The Commission is now investigating whether or not the ABS requirement should be extended to vehicles in the 40km/h to 60 km/h range.
Our initial view is that the ability to specify ABS as an optional extra on new build tractors should be available for farmers to take advantage of when it is appropriate for their farming business. We want this option to select to remain for farmers. However we do not think it appropriate that ABS should become a mandatory requirement on all tractors as:
- The case is not proven that ABS will offer a general benefit to all farmers and other road users.
- Mandatory ABS will add considerable cost on to tractors diverting financial resources away from other areas that may offer greater safety benefits.
- ABS could be a hazard and reduce safety during use on field.
- Modern hydraulic braking systems on new tractors currently on the market deliver high performance in any event and rarely if ever lock even under heavy braking - so steering and stability are rarely compromised.
We are preparing a response and we want to hear from you and gather views and opinions on the following:
- What agricultural vehicles, trailers or towed equipment in the speed range 40 km/h to 60 km/h have ABS fitted as standard?
- What agricultural vehicles, trailers, or towed equipment in the speed range 40 km/h to 60km/h are available with ABS as optional equipment?
- What opinions do you have on any safety issues associated with ABS fitted on vehicles with a design speed up to 60 km/h that might affect the application of ABS on agricultural vehicles?
- What would you expect the cost range of fitting ABS to be?
- What opinions do you have on any non-technical disadvantages that might exist to the fitting of ABS on agricultural vehicles, trailers or towed equipment? For example increased purchase cost, increased maintenance costs, no obvious benefits, and other issues.
- What do you consider to be the main causes of on-road accidents involving tractors and trailers?
- Would in your opinion the fitting of ABS avoid or reduce the severity of accidents?
- Do you think that there are other systems/technologies or approaches that could offer equivalent or better safety benefits than the introduction of ABS.
If you would like to send you comments in for consideration in the NFU response please do so by no later than the 28 February here.