New tests to ensure lorries are roadworthy

ABU DHABI // The Department of Transport has released a manual to standardise tests for heavy vehicles.

The Heavy Vehicles Annual Test Manual, which was released on Monday, introduces strict new tests to make sure all lorries being driven are roadworthy.

Between 60,000 and 70,000 lorries are registered in the emirate. In 2013, about six in 10 of these failed their safety tests on the first sitting.

The DoT and Abu Dhabi Police launched the manual as part of plans to increase the number of heavy vehicle test stations across the emirate.

Ahmed Al Hammadi, acting director of the DoT freight division, said: “Today marks an important step in our tireless quest to improve the safety, fairness and efficiency of the road freight industry in Abu Dhabi.

“Real change is here today with safety faults being identified and rectified.”

Statistics from 2013 show that of the vehicles that failed tests, 82 per cent had defective lights, 60 per cent faulty brakes and 57 per cent had tyre defects.

Brig Ibrahim Al Shamesi, deputy head of vehicles and driver licensing at Abu Dhabi Police, said: “We are delighted to be working with the DoT to increase the safety and security levels in heavy vehicles across Abu Dhabi.”

The expertise to document the testing procedure, revise standards and deliver inspector training was assisted by the UK’s Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.