HGV Speed Limiter Setting and Testing

[Blakewater]

A lorry driver is insisting that the law in the UK requires that speed limiters on HGVs have to be set at below 60mph but that some companies operate legally with limiters set at 58mph.

It's my understanding that EU regulation, which has to be enforced in the UK, requires limiters to be set at no more than 56mph and anything over than that will result in a failed inspection at a DVSA testing station.

Which is correct, and how are speed limiters tested to ensure they're not set at more than 56mph?

[Blakewater]

So, the speed limiter is tested by means of checking for higher speeds recorded on the tacho, which means drivers need to be careful of slipping over 56mph even if it's possible to reach higher speeds, such as downhill with a heavy load, and legal by UK law?

[Blakewater]

CaptainMorgan said:

Higgs boson said:

I think that the 60mph limit is just for England and Wales. Are you sure about the 70?

Buses and coaches have a 70mph limit on the motorways too (but are limited to less)

Coaches are restricted to 62mph. Heavier coaches have a 60mph limit on the motorway anyway.

The speed limits for HGVs haven't been raised in Scotland except as a trial on the A9 as hauliers had a protest about the average speed cameras saying they would be obliged to hold up traffic by sticking to 40mph.