Campaigners warn against HGV speed increase

Road safety charities are warning that HGVs could prove more dangerous thanks to a new law.

A change in road speed limits introduced earlier in April saw HGVs over 7.5 tonnes allowed to travel at an extra ten miles per hour on all roads, increasing to 50 mph on single carriageways and 60 mph on dual carriageways.

The change has been made in an attempt to boost growth within the freight industry by decreasing journey and delivery times. There was also a suggestion that the increased speed would cause fewer accidents, as other road users would be less frustrated and attempt fewer dangerous overtaking manoeuvres.

Road charity Brake, however, believe that the increase legitamises the actions of drivers who already ignore the current limit. It is a view shared by many lawyers

Gary Rae, the campaigns manager for Brake, said: “We are disappointed that the government has gone against the advice of road safety groups on this issue. The decision to increase HGV speed limits is short-sighted and runs against our work to more effectively manage traffic speeds and reduce casualties on our roads.

“The relationship between speed and casualties is a proven one, so allowing the largest vehicles on our roads to reach higher speeds more often risks more deaths, serious injuries and additional cost to the taxpayer.”

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