How’s My Driving? - Safe Driving Blog Tips

In April 2015, new national speed limits came into force for HGVs over 7.5 tonnes on single carriageway and dual carriageway roads in England and Wales.

·       50 mph (previously 40 mph) on single carriageway roads

·       60 mph (previously 50 mph) on dual carriageway roads

Although at the time, the decision to increase the speed limit was one that not all stakeholders agreed with, this month the Department of Transport released an early evaluation of the new higher speed limits, which revealed evidence of a reduction in collisions involving HGVs. It has been estimated that this accounts for between 10% and 36% of all HGV collisions. Whilst it’s not accurate to attribute the reduction in HGV collisions exclusively to the increase in speed limit, it should be seen a contributing factor.

Jack Semple, RHA director of policy, said: “The study still has some time to run, and early data should be treated with caution. However early results have not identified negative road safety impacts. Indeed, the research so far confirms the industry view that modestly raising the speed limit would both improve road safety and operating efficiency.”

Tell us your opinion on this three-year evaluation on higher speed limits for HGVs; have you noticed a positive difference in road safety?