AT THE HEART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

Call our Sales Team on 0208 912 2120

VI evaluates limiter checks as part of the annual test

11th May 2000, Page 6
11th May 2000
Page 6
Page 6, 11th May 2000 — VI evaluates limiter checks as part of the annual test
Close
Noticed an error?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.

Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

I by Brian Weatherley

The Vehicle Inspectorate is considering making a physical check of truck speed limiters part of the annual HGV test following the recent introduction of handheld roadside limiter testers.

The portable TVI electronic tester can rapidly detect signs of deliberate tampering with speed limiters and tachographs, as well highlighting incorrect limiter settings. It is now being used by the VI in "targeted" roadside checks.

However during an exclusive demonstration for Commercial Motart his week, VI Traffic Enforcement Scheme engineer Mike Goundry confirmed that the VI is to carry out a feasibility study on similarly "appro priate equipment" to check limiters at the annual test.

Ever since limiters were first fitted to HGVs in the early nineties the only check required at the annual test has been a visual inspection for missing limiter plates and signs of damage or interference to connecting cables or wiring. As a result many law abiding operators complain about the large number of trucks which seem to have nonfunctioning speed limiters.

Incorporating a mandatory check into the annual test would mean that every HCV requiring a limiter would have it checked for accuracy and security at least once a year. As well as revealing limiter tampering, the TVI device can help VI teams uncover deliberate interference with tacho "DIL" switches. The TVI tester successfully completed intensive trials in February 1999; since then more than 100 units have been issued to VI enforcement teams.

The VI has already trained 103 staff to use the tester and training manager Malcolm Hicks says that a further 100 will be trained by the end of the year.

• For a full description of how the TVI limiter tester works, see next week's issue.


comments powered by Disqus