Changes to national speed limits are being considered in a consultation in Scotland.
In the consultation, the Scottish Government will consider reducing the speed limit on single carriageways from 60mph to 50mph. They will also explore increasing the speed limit for good vehicles on dual-carriageways from 40-50mph to 60mph.
Transport Scotland explain that the changes aim to reduce collision rates and severity by addressing driver frustration caused by inconsistent vehicle speed limits.
Having campaigned for the change for many years, the Road Haulage Association (RHA) acknowledged this as a positive step. RHA policy director for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, Martin Reid said: “The Scottish Government should be commended for consulting on the change to HGV speed limits. The 50mph trial on the A9 has resulted in a reduction in risky overtaking with a resultant improvement in safety, backed up by a decade of data from roads in England and Wales. The extension of a 50mph limit across all Scottish single-carriageway A-roads should be expected to yield similar results.”
He continued: “We […] know that lorries use less fuel and create fewer emissions when they can drive at 50mph, and shorter journeys create savings which can be passed on to customers.”
The RHA have outlined three key benefits for the speed reduction on single carriageways, including increased safety, reduced emissions and more cost-effective journeys.
In agreement with the RHA, Stewart Mackie, the road safety manager at IAM Roadsmart added: “Analysis of the three-year trial done on the A9 suggests that the move to a 50mph limit for heavy goods vehicles on single carriageway stretches has actually reduced collisions, fatalities and casualties from incidents involving HGVs.”
