National speed limit plans allowing HGVs to travel faster than cars receives ‘largest ever’ response
More than 19,000 Britons have responded to controversial plans which would see speed limits dramatically change across Scotland.
The plan launched by Transport Scotland would see speed limits for HGVs increase to 50mph on single carriageways and 60mph on dual carriageways while seeing speeds reduce for other vehicles.
Before the plan comes into effect, the transport authority launched a consultation on the changes, which ended yesterday.
Thousands of drivers responded to the consultation, which would see drivers face lower speed limits of 50mph on single carriageways in a bid to improve road safety.
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Transport Scotland said it will now analyse all responses, with findings and recommendations set to be published later this year.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “I want to thank everyone who took the time to engage with this consultation. With over 19,000 responses – the largest ever consultation response Transport Scotland has received – it is clear that these proposals are of great importance to the public and stakeholders.
“Over the coming months, Transport Scotland will carefully assess all feedback before the findings and next steps are published later this year.”
She noted that road safety remains an “absolute priority” for the Scottish Government, adding that it was fully committed to working towards the ambitious goal of making Scotland’s roads “the safest in the world by 2030”.
She added that the National Speed Management Review forms part of the £36million investment in road safety this financial year.
Evidence also revealed that the proposed speed limit changes could play a significant role in preventing road deaths and serious injuries while also maintaining journey times and improving journey time reliability.
Hyslop noted: “We must never lose sight of the fact that one death on our roads is one too many. These proposals represent a vital step towards making Scotland’s roads safer.”
But while the transport authority begins reviewing responses, the Scottish Conservatives launched a campaign, “SAY NO to 50mph national speed limits”, which has already received thousands of signatures from angry drivers.
The campaign detailed: “Roads like the A9, A96, A1, A75, A77 and A83 have become notorious for accidents, injuries and deaths. But instead of finally taking action to fix Scotland’s roads and protect drivers, the SNP now want to punish them with more restrictions.
“50mph speed limits on single carriageway roads will penalise ordinary people, without cutting down on dangerous driving.”
In response to the petition, a Scottish Government spokesperson told GB News that the proposed changes have been “rigorously assessed” and are expected to reduce casualties and fatalities.
International evidence, including France’s successful 2018 speed limit changes, was also taken into account and found that “such measures can lower speeds, reduce casualties and have minimal effects on journey time”.
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The spokesperson shared: “The assessment indicates that these changes will have a minimal impact on journey times because reduced speeds contribute to smoother traffic flow, which reduces congestion. Reducing serious accidents reduces diversions and improves journey reliability.”