FTA calls for introduction of no-cost speed limiters

Date: 13/6/2012

The Freight Transport Association's (FTA) Van Excellence Governance Group is calling for all light commercial vehicle manufacturers to supply vehicles already set with a speed limiter as a no-cost option.

At a recent meeting of the organisation, attendees agreed that van construction companies should help to manage the top speeds at which these vehicles can travel by setting the speed limiters at 70mph.

This is despite the fact the government is considering plans that could see the speed limit on motorways increased to 80mph.

It was suggested by the FTA group that as well as potentially helping to avoid accidents and keep road users safer, introducing speed limiters could have various other benefits.

Fleet operators could find the amount of money they have to spend on petrol or diesel is reduced as their vehicles will be travelling at a slower pace, thus making them more fuel efficient.

Furthermore, the changes to reduce the cost of repair and maintenance bills, while their drivers will be less stressed - and perhaps less likely to be involved in an incident as a result.

Chairman of the organisation Gary Whittam said: "Without exception manufacturers can easily limit the top speed of their vans. So the question is, why don't they make limitation the default standard or at the very least a no-cost option?"

He also pointed out that companies are "just burning money" by allowing vehicles to travel at 80mph when they could travel at 70mph, because of the added fuel costs.

The FTA is not the only group that believes speed limiters can have a vital role to play in improving the operations of commercial vehicle owners.

Research carried out by Cobra UK found the technology can lower the cost of fuel for companies by up to 40 per cent. Enterprises will also be able to reduce their carbon emissions to help the environment, as well as improve engine life - something that will lower repair costs further down the line.

Posted by Mary Treen