The Department for Transport (DfT) has unveiled proposals that could see thousands of UK drivers of electric vans fitted with mandatory speed limiters, capping their speed at 56mph. This follows the conclusion of a public consultation launched by the Labour government, which also outlines significant changes to MOT testing for these vehicles.
Consultation Reveals Public Divide on Speed Limiters
The government's consultation specifically focused on whether to remove the mandatory 56mph speed limiters for electric vans weighing between 3.5 and 4.25 tonnes. The results revealed a divided response. 51% of respondents opposed removing the speed limiter requirement, while only 37% supported its elimination. A significant finding was that 65 respondents warned that scrapping the limiters could lead to an increased risk of collisions on UK roads.
One respondent emphasised the safety concern, stating: "Speeding is a major contributory factor in traffic collisions. Without speed limiters, drivers of these heavier vehicles may travel at higher speeds, increasing the likelihood and severity of collisions."
New MOT Class and Potential Tachograph Exemption
Beyond the speed limiter debate, the DfT confirmed concrete changes for electric van operators. In a move welcomed by the industry, electric vans in the 3.5-4.25 tonne category will be moved into the Class 7 MOT system. This is the same category currently applied to lighter commercial vehicles weighing between 3.0 and 3.5 tonnes.
This reclassification brings a major operational benefit: these larger electric vans will now receive their first MOT test after three years, rather than after just one year. Furthermore, the DfT announced it will explore options for moving these vans out of the scope of assimilated drivers’ hours rules, which would remove the requirement for tachographs.
Industry Reaction and Next Steps
Industry leaders have praised the government's response. Toby Poston, Chief Executive of the BVRLA, called it a "great result for the van sector", adding that it delivers on key points from the Zero Emission Van Plan. He stated: "Policymakers have listened to the fleet sector. We now need to see the legislation passed quickly to finally remove these restrictive regulations."
Echoing this sentiment, Duncan Webb, AA fleet director, stressed the need for urgency: "We are pleased to see this consultation response... However, we stress that urgency is required as EV van adoption at pace in this sector can only be achieved if the legislation is forthcoming quickly."
The Labour Party is now set to evaluate all the responses. Ministers have confirmed that any future changes to the speed limiter rules would require a separate, targeted consultation to gather more evidence on safety implications. Formal legislation will be required to implement all of these proposals.
