The Government of Canada has released a report into the use of speed limiters on trucks, with the outcomes being a reported reduction in the consumption of diesel fuel as well as showing positive environmental outcomes.

A proposed speed limit of 105 Kilometres per hour for trucks in Canada has long been been endorsed by the Canadian Trucking Alliance, and now that the report(*), initiated by Transport Canada, has indicated additional benefits, provincial and territorial authorities in Canada, who have jurisdiction over road use and after-market additions to motor vehicles, may come under pressure forgo at least some of that responsibility.

"We need a national approach" exclaimed the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities when responding to the question of jurisdiction. "I congratulate Ontario and Quebec on being the first
provinces to mandate speed limiters and encourage other provinces and
territories to do the same.

Figures released by the report indicate that speed limiters on large trucks could result in 228.6 million litres of diesel fuel saved, representing 1.4 per cent of the total on-road diesel consumed in 2006.  The environmental benefit coming by way of an estimated reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of 640,000 tonnes.

Minister Cannon welcomed the report by saying that "the Government of Canada supports the use of speed limiters on large commercial trucks because they help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel economy." 

Source: CNW Group

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