Transport Scotland Announce Public Consultation On HGV Speed Limits

A consultation on the proposed changes to the national road speed limit for HGVs in Scotland will take place, announced Transport Scotland.

The National Speed Management Review aims to ‘ensure speed limits on Scotland’s roads are appropriate and contribute to reducing injury and death on our roads’.

Proposals include lowering the national speed limit on single carriageway roads from 60mph to 50mph and to increase speed limits for HGVs over 7.5 tonnes on single-carriageways to from 40 mph to 50 mph and dual carriageways from 50 mph to 60mph. 

Review analysis indicates these changes could significantly reduce injury collisions, while maintaining journey times and enhancing journey time reliability.

It runs until Wednesday 5 March 2025.

Click on the link to have your say: Consultation.

Cabinet secretary for transport Fiona Hyslop said: “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.

“We want to hear from the public and stakeholders on these proposals.  The consultation is available online and a series of  engagement sessions will be held early in 2025 to ensure a wide range of voices are heard.

“We must never lose sight of the fact that one death on our roads is one too many. These proposed changes represent a vital step towards achieving national casualty reduction targets, and I urge everyone to take part in the consultation and help shape the future of road safety in Scotland.”

Policy director for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for the Road Haulage Association 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.

“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.”