Practical Aspects of Air Brake Regulations in Europe 780194
EEC Braking Directives mandate several system functions that require special equipment, in order to gain Type Approval.
Industry, generally, exerts pressure to ensure that legislation is not design restrictive and, since the major manufacturers of air brake equipment are based in Britain and Germany, where the brake systems prior to 1971 were quite different, there are some interesting contrasts in the valves and system principles employed to meet the same requirements.
Interpretation of the Directives and establishment of uniform test methods have given rise to several problems and this continues to be a field in which much work is required. Consequently, a period of stability is sought before further changes are introduced.
