40mph isn't enough
Page 2
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
I've been told by a reliable source that the Department for Transport will soon be making an announcement regarding the 40mph speed limit for LGVs on single-carriageway A-roads. But the question is, what way will the decision go?
• Keeping the speed limit at 40mph: hopefully not! The law is outdated and encourages frustrated car drivers to attempt suicidal overtaking moves.
• Increase the limit to 50mph: this is what the Road Haulage Association has been campaigning for. It wants it increased to 50mph on all 'suitable' A-roads; namely those where the car speed limit is 60mph. This makes sense for the economy and road safety, but not everyone agrees with this idea. If the speed limit is 50mph, some drivers are likely to add 10% to that and, before you know it, quite a few trucks are doing 56mph. And not all national speed limit roads are suitable for that speed. A-roads aren't all straight, and in rural areas you have farm vehicles and horses to contend with.
• Increase the limit to 50mph: this is what the Road Haulage Association has been campaigning for. It wants it increased to 50mph on all 'suitable' A-roads; namely those where the car speed limit is 60mph. This makes sense for the economy and road safety, but not everyone agrees with this idea. If the speed limit is 50mph, some drivers are likely to add 10% to that and, before you know it, quite a few trucks are doing 56mph. And not all national speed limit roads are suitable for that speed. A-roads aren't all straight, and in rural areas you have farm vehicles and horses to contend with. • Increase the limit to 50mph on selected roads: this seems the most sensible option. It would allow 50mph on straight trunking routes, but limit trucks to 40mph on more dangerous A-roads. But who would decide which roads would benefit from the increased limit? Would you • Increase the limit to 50mph on selected roads: this seems the most sensible option. It would allow 50mph on straight trunking routes, but limit trucks to 40mph on more dangerous A-roads. But who would decide which roads would benefit from the increased limit? Would you • Increase the limit to 50mph on selected roads: this seems the most sensible option. It would allow 50mph on straight trunking routes, but limit trucks to 40mph on more dangerous A-roads. But who would decide which roads would benefit from the increased limit? Would you
Leave it to the local authorities?
• Increase the limit to 45mph: there's a strong chance this could happen. It's not ideal, but it's better than a kick in the teeth. And if the industry proves 45mph is safe, then we can always push for 50mph later.
• Increase the limit to 45mph: there's a strong chance this could happen. It's not ideal, but it's better than a kick in the teeth. And if the industry proves 45mph is safe, then we can always push for 50mph later.
• Increase the limit to 45mph: there's a strong chance this could happen. It's not ideal, but it's better than a kick in the teeth. And if the industry proves 45mph is safe, then we can always push for 50mph later.
• Increase the limit to 45mph: there's a strong chance this could happen. It's not ideal, but it's better than a kick in the teeth. And if the industry proves 45mph is safe, then we can always push for 50mph later. I can see advantages to all but the first option, but I'd like to know what you think. Will Shiers I can see advantages to all but the first option, but I'd like to know what you think. Will Shiers I can see advantages to all but the first option, but I'd like to know what you think. Will Shiers