Having driven the 100 mile stretch of the A9 with all the average speed cameras (Dunblane to Inverness) whilst adhering to car (60/70/70) speed limits I said I would report back on whether I heard back from the Constabulary. As that was more than four weeks ago I presume I can now be confident that I will not be hearing from them. However, in the latest Hilux Invincible I will in future keep to 50/60/70. Here is why:
The issue of course is that the latest, heavier (dual cab) pickups now exceed 2040 kg unladen weight. Although they may qualify for all the other Dual Purpose Vehicle criteria, if they are more than 2040 kg then, as Kevin has prepared us, some of us have to face 50/60/70 speed limits.
Up thread there was some discussion about working out the unladen weight from the only figure given in recent registration documents, the Mass in Service. I contacted the West Yorkshire Police advice service and was advised:
“You cannot convert mass in service to unladen weight. If the vehicle's unladen weight is not shown in your vehicle's handbook, you will need to contact the manufacturer - they will be able to tell you what the vehicle's unladen weight is, we would suggest you get a copy of this in writing. The legal definitions in relation to vehicles for speed limit purposes are very clear and precise and used to enforce the speed limit legislation”
—————
Concerning the 2016 models, there was a useful article in Professional Pickup and 4x4 that specified which pickups are not DPVs:
Affected pickups*
Ford Ranger
Toyota Hilux review
Volkswagen Amarok
*Not all derivatives are affected; usually only the high-spec models.
Unaffected pickups
Mitsubishi L200
Nissan NP300 Navara
Isuzu D-Max
Great Wall Steed
SsangYong Korando Sports
http://pickupand4x4.co.uk/know-your-limits
That said I know of one Mitsubushi dealership that said that the top spec Barbarian L200 is also more than 2040 kg, despite the aluminium engine.
If the Navara and D-Max are sneaking under the 60/70/70 bar then that ought to be quite a positive selling point - as you speed past those of us chugging along at 50 mph.
If you think your dual cab pickup is a DPV (i.e. < 2040 kg ULW) then you would do well to follow the advice of West Yorkshire police, be able to defend yourself by getting the unladen weight in writing from the manufacturer. After all, on the first page of this thread rovers90 said:
“I attended a speed awareness course in June and they made a point of stressing pick ups were limited to 50 on a single carriageway, 60 on a dual and 70 on the motorway.” For many of you, that will not be correct.
Given the difficulty of getting a manufacturer to state ULWs, it would be helpful to share definitive answers on this thread?