The trade association who represents people and business in the road transport industry has praised the announcement that there will consultation on the National Speed Management Review.
The Road Haulage Association has campaigned for a change in the current 40mph speed limit for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) on Scottish single carriageway roads.
Throughout the rest of the UK, the speed limit for HGVs on single carriageways is 50mph and that is what is being suggested in Scotland now too.
As well as that, the review has also suggested cutting the general national speed across the board on single carriageways to 50mph.
England and Wales introduced the 50mph limit in 2015 there has also been success in a trial on the A9 of the changed speed.
The RHA believes Scotland would benefit from the change, claiming there would be a reduction in risky overtaking, reduced emissions and economic benefits from faster journeys.
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Martin Reid, Policy Director for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for the Road Haulage Association, said: “The Scottish Government should be commended for consulting on the change to HGV speed limits. The 50mph trial on the A9 has resulted in a reduction in risky overtaking with a resultant improvement in safety, backed up by a decade of data from roads in England and Wales.
“The extension of a 50mph limit across all Scottish single-carriageway A-roads should be expected to yield similar results.
“We also know that lorries use less fuel and create fewer emissions when they can drive at 50mph, and shorter journeys create savings which can be passed on to customers.
“Having HGVs driving at up to 50mph would be a positive step, and we welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to this consultation."
Road Safety Manager at IAM Roadsmart Stewart Mackie said: "As an organisation that champions safer roads in the UK, IAM Roadsmart believes that government policy should reflect the evidence.
“The report on England and Wales' move to allow Heavy Goods Vehicles to drive at up to 50 miles per hour on "A" roads concludes that the change from 40mph has not had a detrimental impact on safety along single carriageway roads.
“Analysis of the three year trial done on the A9 suggests that the move to a 50mph limit for Heavy Goods Vehicles on single carriageway stretches has actually reduced collisions, fatalities and casualties from incidents involving HGVs."
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