Skip advert
Advertisement

New vans to get 75mph speed limiter

EU voices plans that it is looking to introduce a max-speed limiter on all new vans.

White van

Car drivers fear they could next in-line for European-imposed speed limiters following an EU proposal to electronically cut the speed of new vans to 75mph.

The mooted emasculation of white van man is nothing to do with safety, but is instead a bid to cut the CO2 emissions levels of all vans to a car-like 135g/km by 2020.

While many drivers would welcome the end to fast-lane harassment by high-powered Mercedes Sprinters, motorist groups have taken fright at what they perceive to be ‘the thin end of the wedge’ of future in-vehicle speed restrictions. “We might get assurances that it’ll only be about vans, but we wouldn’t trust them not to extend to it to every type of motor transport, including cars and motorcycles,” said a spokesman for the Association of British Drivers.

Many UK companies including British Gas and the Royal Mail already limit van speeds to cut fuel bills, reduce accidents and limit the PR damage of having liveried vans overtaking at dangerous speeds.

With fleet managers keeping a close eye on the behaviour of drivers during work hours, limiting the speed of company cars could be the next step. “The commercial driver is under greater pressure than ever to stay within the law as managers contend with tougher corporate manslaughter legislation,” says Paul Watters of the AA.

Predictably, van drivers are not keen on limiters, believing them to be dangerous. Posting on the Businesscar website, van driver Russ said: “Just picked up my first restricted Renault Trafic today. As you sit there at 68mph, because there is no control or throttle adjustment needed, it is far easier to start to lose attention.”

Businesses have sprung up to remove limiters, with one company Van Tuner offering to derestrict former British Gas and Royal Mail vans for between £100-300.

Advertisement - Article continues below

How do you feel about the plans to electronically limit the speed of vans? Do you think it's good that speeding van drivers will be finally curtailed, or is this is one EU intervention too far? Have your say below!

Extra Info

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 Electric Car Grant for new EVs sold under £3…
News
18 Jul 2025
Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake - front action

Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop

The second of Merc’s new-era EVs is here in the form of an attractive estate with a huge range
News
14 Jul 2025