Runaway truck mystery • Mystery continues to surround the case
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of the 70mph "runaway truck" on the M1 which hit the headlines last week.
Initial examinations by police, the Road Haulage Association and Scania engineers have shown that the speed limiter was in working order, but disarmed, and that the R124's braking systems were working properly. There was no sign of overheating or major wear to the brakes.
A non-Scania engine rev limiter had been fitted to the vehicle, which was driven by agency driver Michael Rayner, 25, for waste contractor Polkacrest. The engineers agree that the throttle linkage became fouled when this device came into "involuntary operation".
The vehicle was at the centre of a 20-mile motorway drama as Rayner weaved his way south on the M1 from Juction 10 at speeds of over 70mph, saying he could not stop the machine. Having contacted the police on his mobile phone, Rayner argued against turning off the engine on safety grounds. He finally agreed to switch off as his truck neared the end of the motorway.
At the time the police praised Rayner for his calmness, but questions have since arisen over his actions. Some newspaper reports have even claimed the incident was a publicity stunt. Independent engineer Stan Thomas asks why Rayner did not think to put the vehicle into neutral to slow it down, and why he failed to turn off the engine sooner.
If the police conclude that Rayner, as a professional driver, failed to act properly he could be charged with driving without due care and attention.
Polkacrest has declined to comment.