Truck speed limit to rise on single roads

19th August 2014

The national speed limit for heavy goods vehicles of more than 7.5 tonnes will be increased from 40 mph to 50 mph on single carriageways.

“This change will remove a 20mph difference between lorry and car speed limits, cutting dangerous overtaking and bringing lorry speeds into line with other large vehicles like coaches and caravans,” Transport Minister Claire Perry said.

Malcolm Bingham, Head of Road Network Management Policy at the Freight Transport Association said:  “The FTA strongly supports this decision, as we believe road safety will be improved if the differential between HGVs and other road users is reduced.  Many motorists do not understand that the limit for lorries is only 40mph and this can lead to frustration and, on occasion, risky overtaking.

“The decision will also save time for hauliers, resulting in an economic benefit worth £11m a year across the freight and logistics industry.”

The Government has also launched a consultation on plans to increase the speed limits for HGVs on dual carriageways from 50 mph to 60 mph, while the Department for Transport has announced an intention to carry out a major study of rural road safety in the near future.

The change in speed limits for HGVs on single carriageways will come into force in early 2015 and, depending on the consultation responses, the increase for dual carriageways will come in at the same time.  The existing limits continue to apply until the change has been put into effect.