One control unit can be used to control up to two belt conveyors and the related elements such as sensors, foot pedals and checkout lights. Depending on the selected variant, it is possible to execute a smooth start and stop of the checkout belt, even when fully loaded, without having to dramatically reduce the torque. The goods standing on the belt no longer fall over, which prevents goods damage and spillages in the checkout area, as well as downtimes and delays in supermarket operations.