Abstract: A castor control unit for a swivel castor has a plurality of selectable modes of operation. The modes of operation include at least a free mode, in which the castor (14) can freely swivel about a swivel axis (26) and a wheel or wheels (30,32) of the castor can rotate about a rolling axis (28), and a direction lock mode, in which the castor is locked against swivelling about the swivel axis and the wheel or wheels of the castor can rotate about the rolling axis. The castor control unit (70) comprises a measuring means (154) for measuring motion, a processing means (150) that deduces, from the measured motion, whether there is a need to engage or disengage the direction lock mode, and an actuating means (120a) for actuating the castor to engage or disengage the direction-lock mode of operation. The actuating means is controllable by a control signal, and the control signal is determined, at least in part, from the deduction of whether there is a need to engage or disengage the direction lock mode.