A consultation into plans to increase the speed limit in Scotland for HGVs has already attracted nearly 9,000 responses – and there’s still two months left before it closes.
Transport Scotland is gathering opinions on increasing the limit for goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes on single carriageways from 40mph to 50mph and on dual carriageways from 50mph to 60mph.
At the same time, it is proposing to lower the speed limit for other vehicles on single carriageways from 60mph to 50mph.
Increasing the limit for lorries would bring the country into line with England and Wales and could help boost efficiency and cut CO2 emissions.
Transport Scotland said it was rolling out a series of ‘in person engagement events’ in January and February, which would enable the public to ask questions about the plans. The consultation opened on 27 November and it has already received over 8,700 responses.
Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “Road safety is a priority for the Scottish government and we remain absolutely committed to working towards our ambitious goal of making Scotland’s roads the safest in the world by 2030.
“We have already had a huge response to the online consultation, and these events will enable people to learn more about the proposed changes. It’s also really important that we hear views from the public and stakeholders.
“Evidence from the national speed management review indicates that revising speed limits could lead to a significant reduction in the number of injury collisions on our roads while maintaining journey times and enhancing journey time reliability.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has taken the time to engage with the consultation so far, and hope people will take the opportunity to attend these sessions.”
Logistics UK and the RHA have backed an increase for HGVs and said the evidence from England and Wales showed safety had not been compromised by the move.
The consultation ends on 5 March.
