March 31, 2008

Regulation

Road builders back Ontario’s plan to require speed limiters on heavy trucks

Safety and emission-reduction benefits

VINCE VERSACE

staff writer

The introduction of speed limiters on heavy trucks fits in with health and safety initiatives the Ontario Road Builders’ Association advocates, says its executive director.

“We are one of the main proponents of slowing down in work zones, so we are not opposed to this,” explains Rob Bradford, executive director of ORBA. “This is all about safety.”

Jim Bradley, transportation minister of Ontario, has introduced legislation mandating the activation of speed limiters on heavy trucks that operate into, out of and within the province, at a maximum speed of no more than 105 km/h.

“We acknowledge that there are some in the (trucking) industry who oppose this measure, just like there were those who didn’t like being told they must use seat belts or motorcycle helmets, despite the obvious advantages,” Bradley said during the legislation’s introduction.

“However, in due course, we are confident that they too will see the benefit, especially to their bottom line.”

The speed limiters, also known as speed governors, will be activated on all heavy trucks over 26,000 pounds.

A majority of heavy trucks built over the last eight years have the speed limiter technology, reports ORBA.

Bradford adds that he does not think a majority of heavy truck drivers in ORBA are speeding excessively.

If they are, “which they are not supposed to” this legislation will certainly put an end to it.

The activation of speed limiters has been mandated in the European Union for over a decade and, according to the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA), at least half of the trucks currently operating on Ontario’s highways have activated their speed limiters.

OTA estimates major greenhouse gas emissions reduction in the area of 280 kilotonnes per year.

Quebec passed similar legislation late last year and is expected to co-ordinate implementation with Ontario.

“It (speed limiters) just makes sense,” says David Bradley, president of the OTA.

“Not only is there a direct relationship between speed and the severity of crashes, but there is a direct payback in improved fuel efficiency from operating at lower speeds and that in turn reduces costs and (greenhouse gas) emissions.”

The speed limiter bill is supported by many safety and environmental groups as well as police services. Finer details on how the province will enforce the legislation still needs to be addressed.

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