Braking systems

(1) Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with two entirely independent braking systems or with one efficient braking system having two independent means of operation, in each case so designed and constructed that the failure of any single portion of any braking system shall not prevent the brakes on two wheels or in the case of a vehicle having less than four wheels on one wheel, from operating effectively so as to bring the vehicle to rest within a reasonable distance: Provided that in the case of a single braking system the two means of operation shall not be deemed to be otherwise than independent solely by reason of the fact that they are connected either directly or indirectly to the same cross-shaft. (2) In the case of a motor vehicle having more than three wheels and equipped with two independent braking systems, each such system shall be so designed and constructed that if the brakes thereof act either directly or indirectly on two wheels, they shall act on two wheels on the same axle. (3) Where in the case of a single braking system the means of operation are connected directly or indirectly to the same cross-shaft, the brakes applied by one of such means shall act Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic [CAP. 230 101 on all the wheels of the motor vehicle directly and not through the transmission gear. (4) In all cases the brakes operated by one of the means of operation shall be applied by direct mechanical action without the intervention of any hydraulic, electric or pneumatic device. (5) In all cases the brakes operated by one of the means of operation shall act directly on the wheels and not through the transmission gear. (6) In the case of a steam driven vehicle which is not used as a public service vehicle for the conveyance of passengers for gain or hire, the engine of the vehicle shall be deemed to be one independent braking system if the engine is capable of being reversed and is incapable of being disconnected from all the road wheels other than the steering wheels by the sustained effort of the driver.