Holger Lemmer – Implementation Of Technical Roadside Inspections In Germany

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Future visions and digitisation

“Implementation of technical roadside inspections in Germany” is the subject of the presentation by Holger Lemmer, Police Chief Inspector from North Rhine-Westphalia, at the 5th International Eumos Symposium. In September 2017, top experts from around the world come together once again to discuss the topic of cargo securing, this time at the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber in Vienna. Here, Mr Lemmer points to the value of progress, saying that digitisation should help optimise roadside inspections. Right at the start, he calls for time and money to be saved through the introduction of European standards. A further thought is directed at considering the future: Which vehicles will be available in ten years’ time, and will there even be drivers anymore?

Inspection of transport packaging – but how?

Eumos, VDI, EN, CTU – there is a lot of information, but not enough practical know-how for the person who needs to make decisions on site. The standard phrase “The accepted rules of technology are to be observed” does not help one bit. And even if straps or anti-slip mats are present, how is a police officer supposed to determine the securing of the transport packaging on site? A difficult question, which may help to explain why an inspection is at the discretion of the officer.

Minor, major or dangerous deficiency?

Among the confusing mass of security recommendations, Mr Lemmer particularly praises the Eumos 14509 standard. But what are the criteria that help decide whether a minor, major or dangerous deficiency is present? When do sanctions apply, and to what? Particularly the strength of the vehicle body structure is an important factor for assessing cargo securing for Mr Lemmer. As such, more attention needs to be paid to the risk of tipping while cornering. Similarly, during braking, the load distribution in the vehicle needs to be just right.

Vehicles often tip over even though the cargo stays in place!

The strength of the vehicle body structure is something which needs to be focused on, and for a good reason, as vehicles often tip over during cornering even though the cargo has held together well. “But in the subject area of friction also, it needs to be emphasised that cargo units must be stable. It is the opposite of a Viennese waltz: That which is good in a dance is bad in cargo securing”, warns Mr Lemmer, eliciting smiles in the audience. In connection with friction, Mr Lemmer also speaks about loading gaps and the required gapless loading procedure, which he evaluates in a practical manner rather than by formulas. Particularly loading gaps are a tremendous risk during full braking, and this is also a good point for inspections to begin with in the future. Only through efficient standardisation of cargo securing can the best possible results be obtained from the economy. An approach which everyone, including producers and consumers, understands during the debate.