Citroen - handbrake operation legality

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Wed 15 Aug 2012 16:40
Citroen - handbrake operation legality - Krekrab

Last saturdays column included a reference to operation of a citroen handbrake and how it was operated by an electric motor.

So far as I know the motor vehicle construction and use regulations 1978 - regulation 13 -say that a handbrake may not use an hydraulic or electric mechanism to operate it.

How do Citroen (and I assume other manufacturers) get round this with electrically operated handbrakes?

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Wed 15 Aug 2012 20:52
Citroen - handbrake operation legality - tony g
Hi,
Strictly speaking they are incorrectly described as hand brakes ,the correct description would be parking brake.
To describe the Lexus and the Mercedes systems as handbrakes is a bit of a nonsense .
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Tue 11 Sep 2012 00:46
Citroen - handbrake operation legality - Ernied

Might be a similar arrangement to an HGV spring park brake. The brake (one for each park braked wheel) is applied by a powerful spring, and during non braking time is held off by air pressure. The brake is applied by reducing the air pressure, allowing a purely mechanical linkage to apply the brake. I guess that an electric park brake works in a similar way. Just a guess though !

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If you cover no more than 100 miles per day and have easy access to a charging point at home or work, then an EV is ideal for you.

Is an electric car right for me?