The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that the speed limit for trucks on single carriageway roads will rise to 50 mph and on dual carriageways to 60 mph on 6 April, 2015.

The DfT said that the national speed limit increase on dual carriageways will modernise an outdated regulation dating from the 1980s, better reflecting the capabilities of modern HGVs. It will help to free professional hauliers from unnecessary regulation.

The change is intended to 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. The government says that evidence indicates that actual average speeds are unlikely to change in response to the change in national speed limit. An impact assessment, which has been scrutinised by independent experts, concludes that there is not expected to be an adverse effect on road safety.


Photo: The speed limit for trucks on single carriageways will be 50mph.