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DfT publishes first evaluation on HGV speed limit increase

The 10mph speed limit increase for HGVs is improving road safety and operating efficiency. That’s the view of the Road Haulage Association, following the speed limit increase in April 2015 to 50mph on single carriageways and to 60mph on dual carriageways.

The Department for Transport has published its first-year evaluation – of a three-year study – and, says the RHA, the industry has taken “a responsible approach” to the new limits.

RHA director of policy Jack Semple says that while the first year’s data should be treated with caution, “early results have not identified negative road safety impacts”.

In fact, he adds: “The research so far confirms the industry view that modestly raising the speed limit would both improve road safety and operating efficiency.

“There have also been clear benefits in terms of increased compliance and a reduction on the pressure on drivers and operators to stay within what were unrealistic speed limits. In addition we can reasonably assume a reduced frustration for car drivers caused by HGVs moving at unreasonably slow speeds,” he says.

Click the link below to see the DfT’s published information.

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