Sudbury Northern Life
Starting Jan. 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. The reduction is the equivalent to taking 2,700 tractor-trailers off the roads.
"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.
Ontario and Quebec are jointly introducing speed limiter regulations effective in the new year. This is one of several initiatives undertaken by Ontario and Quebec to harmonize regulations to strengthen the economy and help keep businesses competitive, a press release stated.
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.
"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.