Cruise control
Page 48
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• I refer to the letter of GM Charlesworth of Macfarlane Transport in CM's 18-24 April issue.
We were disappointed, but not entirely surprised, to see his letter illustrating a form of thinking within the transport industry that thankfully is now becoming fast outmoded. Most of the major fleet operators in the UK recognise that electronic engine control (of which speed limiting is a part) is producing more efficient and more environmentally friendly vehicles all the time.
We are certain that everyone appreciates the lifeline that trucks provide, but it should not be at the risk of wasting the world's fossil fuels or creating a potential safety hazard. The carnage that a heavy vehicle can cause if involved in a high-speed accident (which may not be of its own making) has been documented many times.
While we are all certain that Charlesworth's drivers always adhere to the speed limits, we must not lose sight of the opportunity for something to go disastrously wrong while they are using "that all . important burst of speed" to which he refers.
To take that point, our research has indicated that a 38-tonne truck will accelerate from 60 to 70mph in something like a minute, during which time it will have travelled approximately a mile. Certainly the best way to change the state of any vehicle quickly under those conditions is to brake, given that acceleration will provide a negligible effect.
Regarding the possibility of speed limiters on cars, it is not the policy of this company to advocate their use for the foreseeable future, given that there would need to be some changes in vehicle technology and driving attitudes with particular emphasis on lane discipline by car drivers before they would be fully effective.
The use of speed control is just a first and early step in the more efficient and safe use of vehicles, which must be the ultimate goal of any UK transport operator if we are to remain competitive in world terms and provide a safer and friendlier environment for those that come after us. W Hamilton Sales and marketing director, Econocruise, Rugby, Warks.
• Commercial Motor welcomes readers' letters, which can be phoned in on 081-661 3689 (24-hour service). Letters may be edited for length and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor.