The Freight Transport Association’s Van Excellence Governance Group have recently agreed that van manufacturers should be asked to restrict the top speed of vans to 70mph by fitting a speed limiter at no additional cost.

This request comes despite the Government possibly considering increasing the speed limit on motorways to 80mph.

The Group felt that, in addition to the legal implications of exceeding 70mph in a van, there was also the issue of additional fuel costs if a van were to exceed the 70mph speed limit.

Other benefits of limiting the maximum speed to 70mph include maintenance and repair bills often being reduced, van drivers having lower levels of stress and it is safer.

Gary Whittam, Chairman of the Group said: “We find it impossible to justify why any conscientious van operator would allow its vans to operate above the national speed limit.”

Mr Whittam added: “Simply put, a van travelling at 80mph will be using significantly more fuel than one at 70. You don’t need a calculator to work out that at over £7 per gallon, that’s just burning money.

“Without exception manufacturers can easily limit the top speed of their vans. So the question is, why don’t they make limitation the default standard or at the very least a no-cost option?” asked Mr Whittam.

Apparently van operators noticed hardly any reduction in their travelling times. Rory Morgan, National Logistics General Manager at Iron Mountain said: “How can any business depend on drivers breaking the law to meet schedules? In these days of corporate responsibility it’s just not acceptable.”

Another potential benefit is that this could help contain increases in van insurance premiums.

Source: The Freight Transport Association’s Van Excellence Governance Group – June 2012

(The Freight Transport Association’s Van Excellence Governance Group consists of 30 Van Excellence accredited van operators who meet quarterly to share best practises in relation to operational advice and also manage the Van Excellence Code. They are also part of the democratic fabric at the Freight Transport Association who formulates the policy stance of the FTA.)