Increase the speed limit, says industry
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By Chris Tindall
GOVERNMENT PLANS to increase the speed limit of LGVs to 50mph on single carriageway A-roads have been welcomed by the industry trade associations.
A consultation on the proposals runs until 1 February 2013 and follows a commitment made by the Department for Transport (DfT) last year to consider the idea. It said raising LGV speed limits could lead to quicker journeys and lower costs for the sector, as well as reducing the frustration for motorists.
Malcolm Bingham, Freight Transport Association head of road network management policy, said: “We know from observations by our members’ drivers [that other drivers] on these roads often become impatient and take unacceptable risk to get by LGVs.” He added that legitimising a new speed limit would take away the stress felt by drivers in such circumstances, therefore improving road safety.
“Raising the limit for LGVs in this way would be a progressive move that would have the strong support of the road haulage and logistics industry,” said Road Haulage Association director of policy Jack Semple.
The DfT admitted that it had not yet been possible to assess the effect on road safety with a 10mph increase in speed, and welcomed any sources of information on collision rates from consultees.
Roads minister Stephen Hammond said: “While this is likely to lead to more than £30m a year in benefits for businesses through quicker journeys and reduced congestion, I want to ensure we have carefully considered the evidence of all of the effects on the economy, environment and road safety before we make a decision.” The consultation also asks whether the speed limit should alternatively be increased to 45mph.
l You can access the consultation at: dft.gov.uk/consultations