New proposals from the Scottish government could bring significant changes to road speed limits, with plans to reduce the speed limit for cars on single carriageways while increasing it for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). The aim is to improve road safety and curb the rising number of fatalities.
Car Speed Limits to Drop: What’s Behind the Change?
Under the new proposals, speed limits for cars could be reduced from 60mph to 50mph on certain single carriageways. This move is part of a broader initiative to tackle the alarming rise in road fatalities, which have increased by 26% compared to last year.
Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop emphasized that adjusting speed limits, especially on rural roads, is a crucial step in reaching the Scottish government’s goal of halving road deaths and serious injuries by 2030. She explained that the National Speed Management Review suggested these changes could reduce the number of injury collisions while maintaining reliable journey times.
Hyslop stressed that every death on Scotland’s roads is one too many and urged the public to participate in the consultation to help shape the future of road safety.
Increased Limits for Lorries: A New Approach to HGV Safety
While the speed limit for cars may decrease, the government plans to raise the speed limit for HGVs. On single carriageways, the new limit for lorries would be 50mph, up from the current 40mph. On dual carriageways, HGVs would be allowed to travel at 60mph, compared to the existing 50mph.
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has supported this aspect of the proposal, citing data from the A9 road trial, where a 50mph limit for HGVs has improved safety by reducing risky overtaking. RHA’s policy director for Scotland, Martin Reid, also pointed out that this change could help HGVs use less fuel and produce fewer emissions, leading to financial savings for businesses and customers.
A Divisive Proposal: Criticism from the Scottish Conservatives
The plan has faced opposition from the Scottish Conservatives, who argue that the government is overlooking the needs of rural communities. North East MSP Douglas Lumsden criticized the SNP for failing to upgrade essential single carriageway roads in rural areas like the A96 and A90, which remain crucial for local transport.
Lumsden described the proposals as “ludicrous,” claiming they unfairly target motorists in rural regions who rely on cars for their daily lives. The consultation period, which runs until March 2025, will allow the public to voice their concerns and opinions on the changes.
Road Safety in Scotland: The Bigger Picture
Scotland has made significant progress in reducing road deaths. In 2023, fatalities on Scottish roads dropped to the fourth lowest on record, with 155 deaths—down 16 from the previous year. However, the total number of casualties rose by 3%, reaching 5,788.
Speeding remains a key factor, with about 20% of road deaths linked to excessive speed. The Scottish government believes these speed limit changes are vital for further reducing both the number of fatalities and the overall impact of road accidents.
What’s Next?
The government’s consultation is part of a broader road safety strategy, which also includes a separate initiative to reduce speed limits on urban streets to 20mph by 2025. In addition, the plan to adjust HGV speed limits will be closely monitored, with data from the A9 trial expected to inform further decisions.
While the proposed changes are part of the ongoing effort to make Scotland’s roads safer, they are also a reminder that road safety is an ongoing challenge. The public will have a chance to weigh in on these proposals and help shape the future of road policy in Scotland.
