Examining the speed limit for heavy goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes on single carriageway roads is the snappy title of the consultation launched today by the Department for Transport. Schedule 6 of the Road Traffic Act 1984 currently prescribes a speed limit on single carriageways forthem of 40 miles per hour. HGVs those between 3.5 tonnes and 7.5 tonnes are limited to 50 mph on the same roads. The government promissed in ‘The logistics growth review – connecting people with goods’ document published in November 2011, to consult on this issue during 2012, and (in the eleventh month, so not quite the eleventh hour) they are doing so.
The 40 mph speed limit has been criticised because it causes unnecessary costs to vehicle operators, congestion, and avoidable overtaking accidents, and it creates an uneven playing field for businesses. Raising limits should lead to quicker journeys, so lowering costs for the transport sector. This should assist economic growth and will also reduce frustration for drivers who stuck behind slower-moving lorries and unable to overtake. Against this are safety and environmental considerations.
The consultation document can be downloaded from the page linked above.
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