Speed Limiters
A London Police Service media release:
As of July 1st, the “educational grace” period for commercial vehicles is over as it relates to speed limiters.
A “speed limiter” is a standard device found in the electronic control module of the majority of heavy trucks manufactured in the early 1990’s. This device has the ability to program a pre-set speed barrier that the truck is not capable of exceeding. (A “governor”)
Recent amendments to Highway Traffic Act make “speed limiters” mandatory in Ontario for ALL commercial motor vehicles manufactured after 1994 that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 11,794 kgs or more.
These devices must set a maximum speed of no more than 105km/h, however the regulation prescribes a speed of 115km/h as the threshold for charges.
As of July 1, 2009 an officer who has proof that a commercial motor vehicle was driven on a highway at or above the speed of 115km/h may consider this as evidence that the vehicle does not have a properly functioning speed limiter as required and charges will be considered.
In addition to a charge of speeding, the operator could be charged with the offence of “Drive commercial motor vehicle not equipped with working speed-limiting system”. It is anticipated that very few charges will be laid in London as very few roads (VMP, Highbury Ave) afford the opportunity for commercial trucks to reach those speeds.
Commercial Truck operators should now be aware that charges will commence July 1st.
Sgt Tom O’Brien
© Fowler Media
