No buts about it: Heavy vehicle speed limiter rule to be enforced from Oct 1, says Loke
Transport Minister Anthony Loke (pic) said implementation of the SLD is a crucial step in controlling the speed of heavy vehicles and reducing the risk of fatal accidents, particularly involving buses and lorries.
Such systems are mandatory in Singapore and in European countries, he added.
"Although I am aware that some industry players may push back, citing additional costs and so on, human lives must take precedence when it comes to road safety.
"I hope all Yang Berhormat (MPs) will support the government's efforts to ensure smooth implementation.
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"Any opposition should be addressed by making it clear that safety must take priority over costs and business profits,' he said during Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (July 29).
Datuk Dr Richard Rapu @ Aman Begri (GPS-Betong) wanted to know the impact of SLD enforcement, its cost and maintenance, the implications of system failure, and whether or not other countries have made SLD mandatory.
Loke said SLD enforcement will be carried out in three phases.
Phase 1, starting Oct 1, involves the verification of SLD functionality for all commercial vehicles manufactured after Jan 1, 2015.
Phase 2, effective from Jan 1 next year, involves activating SLD within the electronic control unit (ECU) of commercial vehicles built before Jan 1, 2015.
Phase 3 will require the retrofit installation of SLDs with approval from the Road Transport Department (JPJ) on any commercial vehicles not already equipped with the system and will be enforced from July 1 next year.
ALSO READ: Heavy vehicle speed limiter rule to be enforced from October
Fathul Huzir Ayob (PH-Gerik) had asked if the ministry intends to mandate automatic "cut-off" systems on buses and lorries to limit speeds or stop vehicles if safety rules are ignored.
SLD is an automatic speed control system that electronically limits a vehicle's speed through its ECU to regulate speed without shutting off the engine, thereby maintaining operational safety.
Loke said the system applies to all commercial vehicles, specifically goods vehicles with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) exceeding 3,500kg and passenger vehicles with a GVW exceeding 5,000kg and carrying more than eight passengers.
ALSO READ: How do speed limiters protect everyone on the road?
To Fathul Huzir's supplementary question about the integration of safety systems such as automatic emergency braking, electronic stability control and real-time monitoring systems alongside the SLD, as well as the introduction of black boxes for commercial vehicles, Loke said the ministry is considering these proposals.
He said stakeholder engagement sessions will be necessary to ensure implementation is carried out efficiently and in an orderly manner. – Bernama
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