TORONTO, Ont. — The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) has officially launched its campaign to limit the speed of all trucks operating within the province to 105 km/h.

The association says existing technology (microchips that are already on each engine built within the past 10 years) should be used to limit the speed of trucks.

According to the OTA, a typical tractor-trailer can realize savings of 10,500 litres of diesel each year by running no faster than 105 km/h resulting in a savings of $8,400 per truck. The association also points out 140 kilotonnes of greenhouse gases will be eliminated, drivers will be less stressed and fleets will achieve improved tire and break wear.

OTA president David Bradley said the new policy “demonstrates the industry’s commitment to ensure all trucks on the highways operate at a safe speed and that incidents of tailgating and improper lane changes are reduced.”

He added the proposal is “perhaps the single most significant measure any industry has put on the table to conserve fuel and help the country meet its commitments under the Kyoto Accord.”

For a full report on the controversial policy, see the January issue of Truck News.