LGV/HGV Speed Limits

An increased national speed limit for LGV/HGVs travelling on single and dual-carriageways in England and Wales came into force on 6th April 2015.

Following consultation, and an announcement last year, the national speed limits for vehicles over 7.5 tonnes travelling on a single carriageway will increase from 40mph to 50mph and on dual-carriageways from 50mph to 60mph. The DfT previously described the decision as “part of a package of measures to cut congestion, reduce dangerous overtaking and help get the country moving”, while claiming it could save the haulage industry £11m a year.

Speed limits in Scotland will remain the same. European speed limiter requirements also remain unchanged and must be set at 56mph or lower.

Neil Greig, director of policy and research at the Institute of Advanced Motorists, said: “Driver awareness is the key if this policy is to deliver safer roads. There is widespread ignorance about current speed limits leading to frustration and road rage as platoons build up behind lorries being driven legally. The new limits should reduce stress and ease bad overtaking. This has been proven in the first few months of higher limits on the A9 in Scotland.”

The government last year stated that it believed the increased speed limits on single-carriageways will also make enforcement easier and save money.

Sourced: Commercial Motor, 8th April 2015