Scottish Government asks drivers about plan to cut speed limits
The national speed limit would be cut but lorries could go faster
Last updated 27th Nov 2024
Drivers are being asked for their reactions to plans to cut the national speed limit on all single carriageway roads in Scotland to 50 mph.
As well as slowing down cars and vans by 10 mph it would allow lorries to speed up and increase their limit from the current 40 mph, for vehicles over 7.5 tonnes, to 50 mph.
Forecasts suggest the change could lead to a 23% reduction in fatalities and an 18% reduction in serious injury in just the first year.
Over 60 years is it predicted it could prevent more than 1,200 injury collisions.
The consultation runs until Wednesday 5 March 2025.
Cutting collisions
Cabinet Secretary for Transport 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.
“This consultation on proposed changes to speed limits is part of our record £36 million investment in road safety this financial year.
"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 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.”
Transport industry backing
Martin Reid, Policy Director for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for the Road Haulage Association, 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.
“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.
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