Explanatory note

These Regulations amend the provisions of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986.

Minor amendments to the Table in regulation 4(4) are introduced to make good an omission, to correct references to other legislation and to correct a printing error (regulation 3).

A new regulation 36A is introduced, which provides for coaches which would otherwise be capable of exceeding the motorway speed limit to be fitted with speed limiters set to a maximum speed no higher than 70 mph. The new provisions will apply to all new coaches from 1st April 1989, to coaches first used between 1st April 1984 and 31st March 1989, to coaches first used between 1st April 1984 and 31st March 1989 inclusive from 1st April 1990, and to coaches first used between 1st April 1974 and 31st March 1984 inclusive from 1st April 1991. Any speed limiter fitted to a coach on or after 1st October 1988 will need to comply with Part I of the relevant British Standard (BS AU 217: Part I: 1987). Provision is made for a coach to complete its journey if the speed limiter has accidentally ceased to function or for it to be taken to a place where the speed limiter is to be repaired (regulation 4).

A new regulation 70A provides that every coach to which the regulations apply must bear a plate to show that it is fitted with a speed limiter. The plate must show the name or trade mark of the limiter manufacturer, the set speed to which the limiter is calibrated and, where relevant, the British Standard marking (regulation 5).

Enquiries about the British Standard should be made to the British Standards Institution at Linford Wood, Milton Keynes, MK14 6LE (telephone Milton Keynes (STD 0908) 221166).