Industry throws weight behind Scotland HGV speed increase trial
Trade associations have announced their support for the increased HGV speed limit trial, which commenced on the A9 in Scotland on 28 October.
The 36-month trial sees the speed limit on the single carriageaway sections of the A9 between Perth and Inverness increase from 40 to 50mph for HGVs with a laden weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes. Its introduction coincides with that of a new average speed camera system.
Scottish transport minister Keith Brown said: “This pilot is part of a package of measures that is being taken forward to improve the operational performance of the A9 and to enhance safety.
“We want to see reliable and competitive journey times for all road users, including the freight haulage industry. Simply raising the speed limits for HGVs could have a detrimental effect, but the use of average speed cameras as part of the pilot helps support the wider changes we are making to promote an overall improvement in driving conditions.
“The 50 mph HGV pilot will bring operational benefits and help reduce frustration on Scotland’s longest road.”
Malcolm Bingham, the Freight Transport Association’s (FTA) head of road network management policy, said: “FTA is in full support of the 50mph speed limit trial for HGVs on the A9… We welcome the opportunity for such a trial as we believe the current differential in speed limits between HGVs and other vehicles increases the road safety risk. This trial will provide some much needed evidence to help determine if there are any advantages, on safety grounds, in setting the speed limit of an HGV to 50mph.”
Richard Burnett, chief executive of the Road Haulage Association (RHA), added: “The key issue here is one of improving journey time reliability for hauliers and other road users alike. Many A9 incidents, together with the resultant delays, are caused by no more than sheer motorist frustration when getting stuck behind a slow moving heavy goods vehicle.
“It makes sense that a 10mph reduction in the speed differential between cars and HGVs will mean a corresponding reduction in frustration and accidents.
“In addition to improved efficiency, as most modern trucks do not get into top gear at 40mph, there are potential safety benefits. This really is a win-win situation for all users of one Scotland’s major arterial routes.”
The trial follows the recent decision by the Department for Transport to increase the speed limit to 50mph for HGVs over 7.5 tonnes on all single carriageway roads outside built-up areas in England and Wales. Both FTA and the RHA welcomed this decision also. The setting of speed limits north of the border is devolved to the Scottish government.
