UK to defend its limits
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• The Government is to oppose European Commission plans for a 50mph speed limit for trucks on Britain's motorways.
Brussels wants to introduce the limit by bringing in speed limiter legislation throughout Europe, setting limiters at a maximum speed of 80km/h (50mph).
But in a letter to the Road Haulage Association, Transport Minister Christopher Chope says EC directives on limiters should not include their maximum speeds. "Speed limits are matters for individual member nations to determine," he says.
Although most EC governments favour the introduction of limiters, there is a strong chance that a compromise might be allowed to let countries set their own speeds, says the letter.
Both the RHA and Freight Transport Association oppose a lower motorway speed limit, claiming it would increase congestion by slowing trucks and add to hauliers' wage bills.
A CM survey found that 81% of operators are against lower ing the limit from the present 60mph (CM 28 Aug-4 Sept). A total of 44% thought a 50mph limit would force them to hire more staff and buy more vehicles.
The RHA and FTA are to meet with Department of Transport officials on Wednesday (6 November) to discuss the Government's stance.
Its decision to oppose Brussels is a victory for the trade associations which have been lobbying hard against the proposals for some months
(CM 8 Aug-14 Aug).
In his letter to the RHA, Chope says the Government's opposition will not be 'diluted by the fact that the speeds proposed by the Commission are the same as, or very near to, the speed limits in many member nations".
The Commission's draft directive is likely to be discussed by transport minsiters, including Britain's Malcolm Rifkind, in December. The proposals both require limiters to be set at 80km/h (50mph).