The Scottish government has recently announced a consultation on the National Speed Management Review.

Part of the consultation invites feedback on whether the current 40mph speed limit for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) on Scottish single-carriageway roads should be increased to 50mph, as it is throughout the rest of Britain.

The RHA (Road Haulage Association) welcomes this consultation as it has been campaigning for the change for many years.  The organisation 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.

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."