FTA welcomes HGV revised speed limit consultation 13 November 2012

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) says it welcomes the Department for Transport's (DfT) formal consultation on future HGV speed limits for vehicles over 7.5 tonnes on single carriageways.

DfT's policy document is about considering a change to the current 40 mph maximum speed limit for HGVs over 7.5 tonnes on single carriageway roads.

Malcolm Bingham, FTA head of road network management policy, makes the point that the organisation has long since supported a reduction of the speed differential between HGVs and other commercial vehicles on single carriageway roads.

The logistics industry is resolute in believing that a 40mph speed limit causes unnecessary costs to vehicle operators, as well as congestion and avoidable overtaking collisions, he explains.

Furthermore, Bingham believes that the existing situation creates an uneven playing field for businesses, wholly dependent on the vehicles they run.

"We believe that firstly [reducing the speed differential] will reduce the number of incidents where drivers overtake or attempt to overtake slower moving HGVs who are simply complying with the national speed limit," states Bingham.

"We know, from observations by FTA members, drivers on these roads often become impatient and take unacceptable risk to get by goods vehicles," he adds.

And he continues: "Whilst our members would not want their drivers to disobey any speed limit ... it creates a stressful situation when driving a vehicle at a lower speed than others, particularly when other road users try to encourage the HGV to move faster."

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Freight Transport Association Ltd

This material is protected by MA Business copyright
See Terms and Conditions.
One-off usage is permitted but bulk copying is not.
For multiple copies contact the sales team.