FLEET managers and minibus drivers throughout the UK are being urged to start preparing for new speed limits to be imposed from 2008.

These have been required in Europe since January 1, 2005 and will come into force in the UK on January 1, 2008.

Minibuses will be restricted to 62mph and prohibited from using the outside lane of motorways.

According to experts at public sector fleet specialist Automotive Leasing, fleet managers need to start thinking now about the changes. The biggest issue is likely to be the availability of fitters, because many companies and organisations are likely to leave it to the last minute to have the speed limiter devices put in place.

This will put a premium on the time of fitters and may well leave some minibuses unable to run until they have been fixed.

Costs may also become an issue, with the fitting of a single speed limiter costing as much as £675 depending on the make and model of the vehicle.