First Germans, now speed-loving Italians want van speed limiters

[mailchimp_signup][/mailchimp_signup]The survey, of a representative sample of one thousand interviewees, found that 89% of the Italian public would support the introduction of mandatory speed limiters for vans. Half supported a speed limit of 110km/h, while a third supported a lower speed of 90 km/h.

Last year, leading German car magazine Auto Bild and transport industry magazine Verkehrsrundschau found similar levels of support among their readership (2).

Jos Dings, director of Transport & Environment said:
“People in two of the continent’s most speed-loving countries overwhelmingly support the idea of mandatory speed limiters for vans. These devices would save lives, save CO2 and save on fuel bills, at negligible cost – they are a no brainer.”

“The European Commission has indicated in both its road safety action plan, and transport strategy white paper, that van speed limiters for vans would be a smart idea; there’s no reason to wait. The Commission should bring out a proposal by the end of this year and show that it is serious about saving lives and cutting road transport emissions.”

A report published by T&E in 2009 (3) found that setting mandatory speed limiters for light commercial vehicles to 100 km/h (as is currently the case for lorries) would reduce CO2 emissions by 6-7% and would contribute to a decrease in accidents involving vans of up to 46%.