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Ministry of Transportation

Truck Speed Being Capped


    McGuinty Government Improving Safety, Environment and Economy In Ontario

    TORONTO, Dec. 22 /CNW/ -

    NEWS

    Starting January 1, 2009, most large trucks will be required to use
electronic devices that cap their speed at 105 kilometres per hour.
    These devices - called speed limiters - lower maintenance costs and
improve fuel economy. A study by Transport Canada estimated that speed
limiters will save the Ontario trucking industry about 100 million litres of
diesel fuel annually and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 280,000 tonnes
annually.
    Ontario and Quebec are jointly introducing speed limiter regulations
effective January 1. This is one of several initiatives undertaken by Ontario
and Quebec to harmonize regulations to strengthen the economy and help keep
businesses competitive.
    There will be a six-month educational awareness period to provide truck
companies and drivers, including those from other Canadian provinces and
territories and the United States, an opportunity to comply with the new
rules.

    QUOTES

    "Reducing truck speeds on Ontario highways is good for business,
community safety and the environment. Using less fuel will save money and
reduce greenhouse gas emissions," said Transportation Minister Jim Bradley
(http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/about/minister.shtml).
    "The Ontario Trucking Association has strongly advocated requiring speed
limiters since 2005. 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. This is the right thing to
do," Ontario Trucking Association President David Bradley said.

    <<
    QUICK FACTS

    -   Mandatory speed limiters will reduce greenhouse gas emissions each
        year equivalent to taking 2,700 tractor-trailers off the roads.
    -   Speed limiters are mandatory for all trucks manufactured after 1995
        with an electronic engine operating in Ontario, regardless of where
        they come from.

    LEARN MORE

    Read the Transport Canada studies
(http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/speed_limit/menu.htm) on the impact of speed
limiters on road safety, the trucking industry and the environment.
    Learn about how the Quebec government regulates trucking
(http://www.mtq.gouv.qc.ca/portal/page/portal/entreprises_en/camionnage).

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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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