Plans to increase HGV speed limit

Roads Minister Stephen Hammond has announced a consultation looking into increasing the speed limit of HGVs over 7.5 tonnes on single carriageway roads from 40mph to 45mph.

According to those in favour of the increase, this could provide a boost to the economy by improving journey times, cutting congestion and reducing costs to business. It will also have a knock on effect reducing the costs of goods that people buy.

Hammond said: “The Government is committed to doing everything it can to improve conditions for economic growth. We are consulting on increasing the single carriageway speed limit for certain HGVs after listening to industry experts who say that this will boost the UK economy and businesses of all sizes.

“I want to make sure we have carefully considered the evidence of all of the effects on the economy, environment and – of course – road safety before we make a decision. I welcome views from all.”

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has been campaigning to increase the speed limit for some time and welcomes the consultation.

Malcolm Bingham, FTA Head of Road Network Management Policy, said: "We believe that firstly it will reduce the number of incidents where drivers overtake or attempt to overtake slower moving HGVs which are simply complying with the national speed limit.

"Another issue that has been raised is the acceptability of travelling at a higher speed than that set by the national speed limits. Department for Transport (DfT) figures indicate that many drivers may exceed the 40mph limit on these single carriageway roads.”

According to the DfT, around 70 percent of HGVs currently drive over 40mph giving them an unfair advantage over drivers who stick to the speed limit.

Bingham continued: "Legitimising a new speed limit will take away the stress felt by all drivers in these circumstances which we believe will lead to improved road safety.”

For more information
www.bbc.co.uk/news/transport