HGV speed limit increase a ‘dangerous precedent’ -- Brake04 December 2014

Road safety charity Brake is criticising the government's announcement last week (28 November) that speed limits for HGVs on dual carriageways are to be raised, calling it "a dangerous precedent".

Transport minister Claire Perry said that, from April 2015, HGVs will be able to travel at 60mph on dual carriageways, instead of 50mph currently.

Brake's deputy chief executive Julie Townsend called it "a leap of faith", adding: "The government itself admits that, at best, there will be no economic or road safety benefit.

"At worst, it risks increasing deaths and serious injuries on our roads if the largest vehicles are allowed to reach higher speeds more often."

The increase follows the government's announcement in July that the limit for HGVs on single carriageways is to increase from 40mph to 50mph from early next year.

Townsend adds: "Increasing the HGV speed limit on single and dual carriageways sets a dangerous precedent, sending a message that if traffic laws are persistently flouted, the government would rather change them than get tough with the law-breaking drivers putting everyone at risk."

Author
Laura Cork

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.