HGV dual carriageway speed limit to rise

15th December 2014

The government plans to raise the national speed limit from 50mph to 60mph for lorries travelling on dual carriageways, following the increase in speed limits for HGVs on single carriageways announced in July this year.

According to Transport Minister Claire Perry, the announcement will ensure that, as of 6 April 2015, lorry drivers have speed limits that are better suited to a modern transport network.

“It is really important that speed limits for lorries reflect the needs of a modern transport network and improved vehicle technology”, she said.  “This change is about ensuring rules for lorry drivers’ speed limits are in line with other larger vehicles on our roads, creating a fairer and more proportionate system.”

The changes to speed limits will update previous regulation dating back to the 1980s.

The government has also published responses ton a consultation on issuing on-the-spot fines to HGV drivers who take insufficient breaks from driving on longer journeys.  The consultation showed clear support for plans to give enforcement officers another weapon in the fight against irresponsible driving by both foreign and UK drivers.

Final plans are still being drawn up.