Survey sparks fear over limiter lapses
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by Brian Weatherley RSL COMPUANCE SURVEY • More than quarter of the trucks on the UK's roads which should be restricted to 56mph have speed limiters which aren't working, judging by a disturbing survey revealed to CMby Lucas Kienzle.
Late last year the tachograph and limiter manufacturer checked 66 vehicles anonymously for compliance with limiter rules as they passed through a number of its UK dealers.
The results show that more than 54% of all the vehicles examined had limiters that were either not working or were incorrectly calibrated or plated (see table, above right).
The findings, which will not surprise anyone who drives on motorways at 56mph, reinforce demands for limiters to be physically tested as part of the annual HGV test.
In his letter, Edmonds says that while those vehicles found in the survey with incorrect details on their calibration plates would probably be identified under the current annual test, "of greater concern" were the vehicles that were either not calibrated correctly or had an unserviceable system.
These faults would result in the vehicles being able to break speed limits—if limiters were subject to a functional test, as with tachographs, the faults would not go unnoticed, Edmonds believes.
Under the annual test rules, operators of those vehicles which are required to have a limiter have to present them for test properly calibrated and sealed, and showing a plate or sticker confirming they meet the required standard.
However, despite pressure from the trade associations and the Retail Motor Industry Federation, the Department of Transport has consistently refused to add an onroad check to the annual test on the grounds of extra cost and time.