Control limit constraints exist in nearly all practical systems. Using a concept of short-term behaviour index, their influence on the closed-loop system performance is investigated. With the proposed dynamic control limits method, control limit constraints can be adequately considered in the discrete controller design process. A general discrete model with time delay and coloured noise are of most interest and are discussed in detail. Combining the advantages of both minimum variance and pole assignment control strategies, a pole-shifting control algorithm is proposed. Successful application of the proposed method to several examples demonstrates its valuable features.