I wonder how many operators of 7.5 tonners actually realise that they have a little over two weeks to limit their trucks to 56mph?
The new legislation, which comes into force on January 1, 2007, applies to almost every commercial vehicle above 3.5 tonnes that was registered between October 1, 2001 and December 31, 2004. At a rough estimate we are talking about 40,000 7.5-tonners and as many as 18,000 large vans. A year later the regulations will also be applied to those registered after December 31, 2004.
But should someone break the law and fail to limit their vehicles to 56mph, what will the punishment be? That’s exactly what I’ve been trying to discover for the past week, but VOSA is proving extremely unhelpful. All I have managed to find out is that a non-restricted vehicle will fail its MOT.
To understand what the new rules mean for truck operators I conducted my own test, driving a fully-laden 7.5-tonne Daf LF at both the current 70mph (112kmph) speed limit and the new 56mph (90kmph) setting. I was expecting the slower speed to result in better fuel economy, but I had no idea quite what a big improvement it would be. At 70mph the truck consumed 11.92 litres of fuel during the 56km test. But with the cruise control set to 56mph it used 9.033 litres – a saving of almost 3 litres. Having typed all this into my calculator I’m pretty sure that I used 32% more fuel on the faster journey. OK, admittedly it took 37 minutes instead of 30 minutes, but surely the time penalty is outweighed by the massive financial gain.
What’s more, the slower speed results in a far more relaxing driving experience. Not having to compete with cars for a place in the outside lane (vehicles with speed limiters are banned from the third lane on motorways) definitely lowers the stress level. Presumably in the long term the lower speed will also result in reduced wear and tear and longer tyre and brake life.
In my opinion this is one piece of legislation which is actually going to do the industry a big financial favour – and should be welcomed with open arms.
Comments (1)
Yes, clearly there will be a big saving in fuel economy, but the difference in time is not inconsiderable if you're on long-haul express delivery.
At 70mph maximum on the motorway and using the outside lane - let's assume an average speed of 65mph - you'd be able to cover 295 miles in 4.5 hours. At 56mph, let's assume an average of 50mph if we can't use the outside lane, we'll only be able to do 225 miles before we need to have a break. To do 295 miles at the new limit will now take six hours and 39 minutes because not only will it take longer to drive it, but we'll have to take a 45 minute break.
Sure there'll be a fuel saving, but if we can't get the goods delivered in the first place there won't be any revenue for us to derive any profit from.
Cracking blog post by the way!
Posted by Truckwatcher | December 15, 2006 10:59 PM
Posted on December 15, 2006 22:59