From 6th April 2015 speed limits for lorries on dual carriageways will rise, the government has confirmed.
Lorries will legally be able to travel at 60mph on dual carriageways instead of 50mph, which is the current speed limit, under new plans released by the
DfT last week.
The news comes shortly after the DfT admitted that an increase of the speed limit for lorries on single carriageways would result in a higher casualty rate.
The increased speed limit will apply to HGV’s weighing more than 7.5 tonnes, the new planned increase was announced by the Transport Minister last week following the conclusion of a
government consultation.
The Transport Minister has said: "It is really important that speed limits for lorries reflect the needs of a modern transport network and improved vehicle technology".
"Britain has one of the best road safety records in the world and I am determined to ensure this continues. This change is about ensuring rules for lorry drivers' speed limits are in line with other larger vehicles on our roads, creating a fairer and more proportionate system."
“The change will ensure that HGV speed limits are proportionate and better aligned with the limits for HGVs on motorways and single carriageways, and with other vehicles such as coaches and cars towing caravans.”
An
impact assessment was carried out and the DfT admitted that 80% of the HGV’s concerned already go over the current 50mph speed limit, traveling at an average speed of 53mph when in free flow traffic conditions on dual carriageways.
Feelings were expressed and there was doubt that the increase in the speed limit would change any figures relating to serious injuries or road deaths.
Ms Perry, Conservative MP, said ‘Our evidence indicates that actual average speeds are unlikely to change in response to the change in national speed limit’
She continued “Our impact assessment, which has been scrutinized by independent experts, concludes that there is not expected to be an adverse effect on road safety, but we will be monitoring the impacts closely.”
Many HGV drivers have responded to the news saying that their trucks are restricted to 56mph (90kph) by speedlimiters, fitted in their vehicles, due to EU law so they couldn’t get to 60mph even if they tried.
