The change to HGV speed limits this week will improve road safety for all road users, says the Freight Transport Association.
FTA was voicing its support for the HGV national speed limit on single carriageway roads increased from 40mph to 50mph yesterday.
The Department for Transport (DfT) revealed in July 2014 that the change to the national speed limit on single carriageways in England and Wales would come into force this spring. FTA supported the decision to change the speed limit for HGVs, stating that it would mean an improvement in road safety as the differential between HGVs and other road users would be reduced.
The Association added that the changes would allow single carriageway roads in the UK to be used more effectively and safely.
Commenting on the introduction of the change to the HGV speed limit, Malcolm Bingham, FTA’s Head of Road Network Management Policy, said:
“This is a move to improve safety for all on single carriageway roads where the 20mph speed differential between cars and trucks can lead to hasty overtaking manoeuvres that sadly often result in casualties. FTA believes that it will benefit industry as it will allow operators to use the additional speed, where it is safe to do so, and gain running cost benefits.”
The current speed limit was introduced in the 1960s, since when lorry technology has advanced considerably. The change will modernise an antiquated restriction, which is not matched in most other European countries.
The amended speed limit will cover single carriageway roads outside built up areas in England and Wales, unless specific lower local speed limits are in effect.
But road safety charity Brake said it was disappointed by the increase.
Gary Rae, campaigns manager for Brake, the road safety charity, said, “We are disappointed that the government has gone against the advice of road safety groups on this issue.
“The decision to increase HGV speed limits is short-sighted and runs against work to more effectively manage traffic speeds and reduce casualties on our roads. The relationship between speed and casualties is a proven one, so allowing the largest vehicles on our roads to reach higher speeds more often risks more deaths, serious injuries, and additional cost to the taxpayer.
