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McGuinty Government Makes Speed Limiters Mandatory In Ontario
TORONTO, June 16 /CNW/ - The Ontario legislature today passed a bill
mandating speed limiter use on most large trucks to cap speeds at 105
kilometres per hour to reduce pollution and improve road safety.
A speed limiter is an electronic device that caps the top speed of a
vehicle. Speed limiters are proven to lower maintenance costs and improve fuel
economy.
In Ontario, transportation accounts for more than 30 per cent of the
province's total greenhouse gas emissions. As part of Ontario's plan to fight
climate change, speed limiters will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The use of speed limiters could be implemented as early as fall 2008,
followed by a six to 12 month education period.
QUOTES
"Speed limiters slow down trucks, help keep our roads safe and reduce
greenhouse gas emissions. This is another step forward in our plan to build a
cleaner, greener and stronger province," said Transportation Minister Jim
Bradley (http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/about/minister.htm).
"The mandatory activation of speed limiters is an effective way for the
trucking industry to further contribute to safer highways and to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions. The fuel savings from speed limiters will also help
to moderate the increases in operating costs from escalating diesel fuel
prices," said Ontario Trucking Association (http://ontruck.org/) president
David Bradley. "This is the right thing to do."
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QUICK FACTS
- Mandatory speed limiters in Ontario will reduce greenhouse gas
emissions by as much as 280,000 tonnes - that's like taking 2,700
tractor-trailers off the roads every year. It will also save about
100 million litres of diesel fuel per year.
- Speed limiters are mandatory for all trucks manufactured after 1995
with an electronic engine operating in Ontario, regardless of where
they come from.
- Most trucks built in the last decade come equipped with speed limiter
technology.
LEARN MORE
Find out what else Ontario is doing to fight climate change
(http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/en/air/climatechange/index.php) and what you can do
to help - both at home and on the road.
Get more information about truck safety and regulations at the Truck and
Bus Information Centre (http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/trucks/).
Learn about Ontario's trucking industry
(http://www.ontruck.org/news/industry/).
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For further information: Nicole Lippa-Gasparro, Minister's Office, (416) 327-1815; Bob Nichols, Communications Branch, (416) 327-1158
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