SMMT News

Plans unveiled to increase truck speeds to boost growth

09 November 2012 #SMMT News

Plans to increase the speed limit for some HGVs in a bid to boost economic growth have been announced today by Roads Minister Stephen Hammond.

The current speed limit on single carriageways for HGVs over 7.5t is 40mph. Under the proposals, this could be increased to 45mph or 50mph.

The freight industry say this will help growth by improving journey times, cutting congestion and reducing costs to business and the cost of goods people buy. It could also reduce the number of collisions caused by other road users overtaking slower moving trucks.

Roads Minister Stephen Hammond said, “The government is committed to doing everything it can to improve conditions for economic growth. We are consulting on increasing the single carriageway speed limit for certain HGVs after listening to industry experts who say that this will boost the UK economy and businesses of all sizes.

“While this is likely to lead to more than £30 million a year in benefits for businesses through quicker journeys and reduced congestion, I want to make sure we have carefully considered the evidence of all of the effects on the economy, environment and – of course – road safety before we make a decision. I welcome views from all.”

DfT statistics on monitored free-flow roads estimate that around 70% of HGVs currently travel over 40mph and it is argued that these HGVs have an unfair competitive advantage over those who stick to the speed limit.

The speed limit for smaller HGVs (those between 3.5t and 7.5t) is 50mph. This will remain unchanged. This consultation does not cover any other speed limits.

The launch of the consultation follows a commitment published in The Logistics Growth Review in November 2011.

The consultation will run until 1 February 2013.

The consultation is available on the DfT website: www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/dft-2012-34.

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