TORONTO, Ont. — Owner/operator groups on both sides of the border have filed official comments with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation opposing the Ontario Trucking Association’s (OTA) policy on mandatory speed limiters.

The OTA has asked the Ministry to require all trucks operating in Ontario to be governed at 105 km/h. It’s a controversial position that has caught the attention of truckers in Canada and the U.S.

“They’re not just wanting this for Ontario, they’re wanting this for all of North America, including the U.S.,” said Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) president and CEO, Jim Johnston. OOIDA is a 133,000 member strong association representing O/Os in Canada and the U.S.

Joanne Ritchie, executive director of the Owner-Operators’ Business Association of Canada (OBAC) added “The proposed speed limiters will have a significant impact on the day-to-day operations of professional drivers, as well as the safety of all highway users. When you have cars going faster than trucks that in fact creates unsafe conditions. When you get trucks in the left lane or right lane going slower, it creates all kinds of problems with cars weaving around them, trying to get on and off the interstates.”

The OTA says requiring trucks in Ontario to govern their speeds to 105 km/h can save operators up to $8,400 per year in fuel costs. The association also contends road safety will be improved with a negligible (if any) impact on trip times and driver earnings.

The Ministry of Transportation requested public comments and is preparing to brief the Minister on the issue shortly.