The author provides an account of the use of speed limiters which has become necessary with the increase in engine efficiency and horse power. Monitoring of driving habits shows that drivers consistently over and under fuel vehicles. This can be overcome by an electronic programme to tighten throttle control. The operation of the speed limiter is described and the necessity for security sealing noted. The experience of users is outlined. By the 1st April 1991 all coaches registered after 1974 will have been fitted. In the case of truck operators fitting is voluntary but benefits are described which have been experienced by users. For the last 4 years the vehicle in the BETAC trial at The Motor Industry Research Association (MIRA) with the highest payload earnings factor was fitted with a speed limiter. There is also evidence of a 2-3% saving in fuel consumption that has covered the cost of fitting. It is suggested that in the future a speed control function will simply be one of several available to the operator in 'drive by wire' or electronic engined vehicles. For the covering abstract of the conference see IRRD 843582.
Abstract