Van manufacturers are being urged to supply vehicles limited to a top speed of 70 mph as a free option.

At a recent meeting of the Freight Transport Association's Van Excellence Governance Group (VEGG), members unanimously agreed that automotive firms should play their part in controlling the top speed of these commercial vehicles.

This is despite the fact that the government has mooted increasing the maximum speed limit on motorways to 80 mph.

Gary Whittam, chairman of the VEGG, pointed out that travelling at 80 rather than 70 mph will use significantly more fuel, which is "just burning money".

"We find it impossible to justify why any conscientious van operator would allow its vans to operate above the national speed limit," he commented.

Roads minister Mike Penning recently explained that consultation on the increased motorway speed limit will be launched during the next few months.

No final decisions have been made about which stretches of motorway would be included in a proposed trial, he added.

Find out more about the Shell fuel card and start saving now.

Posted by Jamie Burton