Speed and responsibility
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Over the years there have been repeated calls for the speed limit to be increased from 40mph to 50mph for trucks travelling on single-carriage A-roads – and at last it looks like something might happen. The government has confirmed that it is committed to reviewing truck speed limits before the end of the year (p18-19) – and why not? After all, arguments in favour of a change make sense.
Everyone knows that trucks are safer these days and that the 40mph limit was set before vehicles were fitted with ABS, ESP and numerous other three-letter safety acronyms. More to the point, allowing trucks to travel at 50mph would hopefully result in fewer accidents caused by impatient car drivers who attempt dangerous overtaking manoeuvres. And then there’s the bus and coach argument. Why is it all right for a 12m coach to do 50mph on a single carriageway when a truck is confined to 40mph? After all, in the unfortunate event of an accident, which is potentially going to ruin the most lives – an 18-tonner or a 50-seater coach?
But I’m aware that there are some drawbacks. Clearly some A-roads are safer than others, and I can’t help but wonder what will happen with a uniform 50mph limit in place. Obviously the majority of professional drivers will exercise some common sense, but what about the irresponsible handful of LGV drivers who will set their cruise control to 50mph regardless of the road and weather conditions? More to the point, would traffic planners build the new speed limits into schedules and put pressure on drivers to stick to them? With increased speed comes increased responsibility. So if the new limit is introduced, let’s hope the industry justifies the trust it has been given.
Will Shiers