The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced the launch of a consultation entitled: Examining the Speed Limit for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) over 7.5tonnes on Single Carriageway Roads.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced the launch of a consultation entitled: Examining the Speed Limit for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) over 7.5tonnes on Single Carriageway Roads.  The logistics industry believes that a 40 mph speed limit causes unnecessary costs to vehicle operators, congestion and avoidable overtaking collisions

According to the DfT the policy objective is to maximise the benefits of travel to society, taking into account the sum of economic, environmental and safety outcomes by considering a change to the current 40mph maximum speed limit for HGVs over 7.5 tonnes on single carriageway roads. The intention is to ease unnecessary congestion that creates time delays for motorists whilst reducing the temptation for risky overtaking manoeuvres. The intention is also to level the playing field for businesses, as HGVs which are travelling above the maximum speed limit currently have a competitive advantage over those that are adhering to the maximum 40mph speed limit.

Malcolm Bingham, FTA Head of Road Network Management Policy said:
“We believe that firstly it will reduce the number of incidents where drivers overtake or attempt to overtake slower moving HGVs who are simply complying with the national speed limit. We know from observations by FTA members drivers on these roads often become impatient and take unacceptable risks to get by goods vehicles.”

DfT figures show that many HGV drivers exceed the 40 mph limit on single carriageway roads and it is felt by many that driving at a speed much lower than other traffic creates stressful situations which may increase the risk of accidents.

In conclusion Bingham said: "Legitimising a new speed limit will take away the stress felt by all drivers in these circumstances which we believe will lead to improved road safety.”