The EU Considers Manditory Speed Limiters for all Vans

A recently leaked draft report indicates that the EU is considering making speed limiters mandatory for all vans and light trucks in Europe in order to reduce emissions. The report, which found its way to Reuters details a possible 120km per hour(74.6mph)limit.

The report is part of a larger dialogue on the practicalities of introducing mandatory fuel efficiency standards for all vans for sale. This comes two years after the introduction of such standards for new cars. the report is expected to recommend reducing emissions to 150 grams of carbon dioxide per km by 2020 despite the European Commission recommending a limit of 135g.

The proposed changes have received some criticism here in the UK despite a national speed limit of 70 mph. The EU report states:

"These vehicles are almost exclusively used for commercial purposes and do not need to exceed 120 km per hour. The technology is available to do this; it is a cheap and effective way of immediately lowering emissions and many commercial organisations retro-fit them to their vehicles."

British politician Chris Davies believes that limiting the speed of vans is a good idea but doesn't go far enough: ""Vans are a tool for business and commerce, and we should be trying to reduce the costs for business," he said. "If we don't do better, we will leave business less efficient."