Consultation on changes to national speed limits

A consultation on changes to national speed limits has been launched in Scotland.

The Scottish Government is considering cutting the national speed limit on single carriageways to 50mph, while increasing the speed limit for goods vehicles over 7.5 from 40-50mph, and to 60mph on dual-carriageways. 

The National Speed Management Review (NSMR) consultation wants to hear from all road-users, including fleets, to the proposed changes to Scotland's speed limits.

The changes, says Transport Scotland, are aimed at addressing variations in vehicle speed limits to reduce driver frustration leading to reduced casualties and ultimately enhanced safety of Scotland’s road network

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) welcomed the consultation having campaigned for the increase for HGVs on single carriageways for many years, most recently during this month’s National Lorry Week, when it highlighted the success of the ongoing 50mph trial on the A9, together with the evidence of benefits in England and Wales, which moved to a 50mph limit in 2015.

The RHA believes there would be three main benefits of a 50mph limit for HGVs in Scotland: a reduction in risky overtaking by other drivers, reduced emissions as a result of more efficient fuel consumption, and economic benefits derived from faster journeys (see notes to editors for more information).

Martin Reid, RHA policy director for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland 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.

“We also 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.

“Having HGVs driving at up to 50mph would be a positive step, and we welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to this consultation.”

Road safety manager at IAM Roadsmart, Stewart Mackie, says that a report on England and Wales' move to allow HGVs to drive at up to 50 miles per hour on ‘A’ roads concludes that the change from 40mph has not had a detrimental impact on safety along single carriageway roads. 

He 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.”