System and method for controlling a vehicle parking brake

A system for controlling a parking brake in a vehicle, comprising:

• an operator interface configured to receive inputs from an operator of the vehicle including a first input requesting that the parking brake transition from an applied state in which the parking brake inhibits movement of the vehicle to a released state in which the parking brake permits movement of the vehicle;
• and,
• a brake controller configured to
• identify a condition in which the parking brake should remain in the applied state;
• generate, in the absence of the condition, a brake control signal responsive to the first input, the brake control signal configured to cause the parking brake to transition from the applied state to the released state, and transmit the brake control signal to an electromechanical valve configured to control delivery of fluid pressure to the parking brake;
• and,
• disregard, in the presence of the condition, the first input unless the operator enters a first override code comprising a predetermined sequence of inputs through the operator interface
• wherein the controller is further configured, in identifying the condition, to identify the condition responsive to a signal from a source remote from the vehicle
• wherein the controller includes
• a first controller configured to generate the brake control signal;
• and,
• a second controller configured to receive the first input and to transmit a brake command signal to the first controller responsive to the first input and
• wherein, in the presence of the condition, the first controller transmits a blocking signal to the second controller configured to prevent transmission of the brake command signal in response to the first input.