EC limiter review could lead to test law
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• A functional test for speed limiters could follow the European Commission's commitment to re-examine current limiter law. John Berry, the EC's senior transport engineer, confirms that equipment for practical testing is available and under consideration.
All vehicles over 7.5 tonnes made after 1 August 1992 and those over 12 tonnes and made after August 1988 have to be fitted with limiters. Birminghambased tachograph and speed limiter maker Lucas Kienzle already uses the equipment in some of its testing.
The testing device is fitted to a tachograph to simulate a certain speed. Lucas Kienzle test and service manager Dick Edmonds says: "Over the next 12 months the Vehicle Inspectorate will begin to form an opinion on how speed limiters are working. If they find it's not being effective then it's inevitable some form of functional test will come in." The move follows concerns from industry that some operators are still not fitting limiters. Making functional limiter testing part of the annual test is supported by the Freight Transport and Road Haulage Associations, who say there are still rogue operators flouting speed limits.
"There are still some stragglers," says the FTA. At best it's ignorance; at worst it's gaining a competitive advantage. Neither is acceptable."