Transport Minister Claire Perry has announced the the government is raising the speed limit for lorries on single carriageway roads to 50 mph, as part of a package of measures to cut congestion, reduce dangerous overtaking and help get the country moving. This move mean that hauliers across England and Wales could see a £11 million a year boost.
Currently heavy goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes are currently stuck at 40 mph on single carriageway roads a speed limit which was set way back in the 1960s and its at odds with other large vehicles on our roads. The government has also today (24 July 2014) launched a 6 week consultation on plans to increase the speed limits for HGVs on dual carriageways from 50 mph to 60 mph.
The change in speed limits for HGVs on single carriageways will come into force in early 2015 and will bring England and Wales in line with other European road safety leaders, such as Denmark and Norway. Depending on the consultation responses, the increase for dual carriageways will come in at the same time. The existing limits continue to apply until the change has been put into effect.
