and affecting road safety' will be classed as a major defect.
Reasons for failure in the assessment of deficiencies are classed as major or dangerous, with the legislative text covering both roadside technical inspections and periodic vehicle testing.
In effect the new law legally addresses MWSD's proven argument that non-circumferential hubs, which give only partial contact between axle and wheel, are causing untested load stresses which cause cracks and half the life expectancy of a wheel which in turn creates serious safety concerns.
"We see positive movements in the marketplace to address the issue," concludes Ellis. " ATS Euromaster, Bus Eireann, Pirelli and TruckForce are just a few leading names that see the requirement to address the issue of wheel fatigue and safety, so one has to ask why others will not address the issue.
"Following May's General Election we will be writing to the new Secretary of State for Transport for clarification on a number of issues, including the Report's limited findings and the Roadworthiness Package. We will continue to fight hard for increased wheel safety, it is a vital topic."