Canada studies truck speed limiters
Tuesday, September 4th, 2007 - 9:00 pm
Transport Canada (TC) and provincial governments are jointly studying whether all large trucks should have their engine microchips permanently programmed not to exceed 105 km/h. One study, to be launched this fall, will look at whether these “speed limiters” would put Canada at an economic disadvantage with the United States, which has no plans to slow down trucks. Recommendations are expected next spring and federal and provincial transport ministers could make a decision as early as fall 2008.
The proposal originated with the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) as a way to improve safety while cutting down on emissions and fuel consumption. The CTA says the lower speed could save the average tractor-trailer $8,000 annually in fuel.
The Canada Safety Council, the Lung Association and environmental groups support the plan. Critics say the limiters will make it harder for truckers to merge, pass or keep up with other vehicles, especially in provinces and states with higher speed limits.
“There are positive environmental and safety impacts,” said Brian Orrbine, chief of motor carriers for Transport Canada, but he acknowledges that it would likely mean more cars passing trucks - an added road safety hazard.
Studies in Australia and other countries where speed limiters have been mandated show that roughly one in three limiters had been tampered with, allowing truckers to speed.
Joanne Ritchie, head of the Owner-Operator’s Business Association of Canada (OBAC), said “You get out on any stretch of highway … just try it and see what happens.” The OBAC’s 23-page submission to Ontario’s Ministry of Transport outlines common criticisms of speed limiters, also known as “engine governors.”
Ontario has already promised to make speed limiters mandatory, although with a provincial election this fall, it’s not clear how quickly the province will be able to move. Most provinces are waiting to see the results of the studies before promising anything, although in Quebec an all-party legislature committee has endorsed speed limiter use. In British Columbia, the BC Trucking Association (BCTA) supports the initiative.
Wayne Dubeau, safety manager for Van Kam Freightways said, “We regulate our trucks at that (105 km/h speed) now.” He noted that North American trucks for the past 12 years have been equipped with the devices, which is set in the factory per the customer’s wishes. (Sources: Google/CP; Vancouver Province; OBAC)
