Changes to HGV Speed Limit Welcomed

Haulage companies have expressed their agreement with the decision to raise the HGV speed limit in the UK. The Department for Transport indicated that a change would be made to the speed limits back in July 2014, and on April 6, 2015, the new speed limit came into effect.

Haulage companies are hoping that the change will lead to not only greater safety on the roads, but also greater efficiency for hauliers.

Details of the New Speed Limit

The old speed limit for HGVs on single-carriageway roads outside of built-up areas (which was in place up until April 6) was 40mph. This has now increased to 50mph and the speed limit on dual carriageways has also been increased. The old limit was 50mph, and this has now gone up to 60mph.

Considering the old speed limit was put into place way back in the 1960s, haulage companies and representatives of industry groups claimed that changes were needed because technology has advanced so dramatically over the past five decades.

Improved Safety on the Roads

One of the main advantages of the increase in speed limits for HGVs is that it will improve safety. Usually it is a decrease in the speed limit that is related to greater safety on the roads, but in this case there is another factor to consider.

According to the Freight Transport Association (FTA), which has long supported an increase in the HGV national speed limit, the roads will be made safer as a result, and not just for HGV drivers but for all drivers. This is because previously there was a 20mph differential in speed between HGVs and cars. The problem with this is that it can lead to more risky overtaking, which in turn can lead to more casualties. The FTA has said that by reducing this differential between other road users and HGVs, it will allow for more efficient use of roads, and could therefore make them safer to drive on.

Industry Benefits

In addition to the extra level of safety for road users that we may see as a result of the changes, it is also thought that the move will be a positive one for the haulage industry as a whole. It is anticipated that HGV drivers will be able to use the extra speed to reduce their running costs and lead to less frustration and fewer delays.

A Positive Change for the Industry

The change to the speed limit is being seen as a not only a positive thing for the haulage industry, but also for other road users. An increase in the speed limit, in this case, will hopefully lead to fewer accidents and greater safety on the road for all drivers. It may also have benefits for haulage companies and independent HGV drivers, which is why it has been so welcomed by the industry.