Safety experts have voiced strong opposition to any proposed increases in speed limits for HGVs on major UK roads, warning it could cause huge safety risks.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has taken a firm stance against higher HGV speed limits on both single and dual carriageways.
The response follows a recent consultation by Transport Scotland which closed last week, which would see the national speed limit on single carriageway decrease from 60mph to 50mph for cars and motorcycles while seeing HGVs speed limits increase to 60mph.
The RoSPA has warned that increasing speed limits for vehicles exceeding 7.5 tonnes could lead to more fatal and serious collisions on Scottish roads.
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The proposal would see HGV speed limits increase to 60mph on dual carriageways
GETTY
The organisation explained that the risks associated with faster-moving HGVs far outweigh any potential benefits such as reduced journey times or decreased driver frustration.
RoSPA also highlighted several key safety concerns regarding increased HGV speed limits in their consultation response.
The organisation stated: "Higher speeds for HGVs could increase the risk of serious collisions, as these vehicles require significantly longer stopping distances compared to smaller vehicles."
They warned this could lead to more severe incidents, particularly in mixed traffic conditions. The safety body also expressed concerns about driver fatigue, noting that "HGV drivers already face long working hours, and raising speed limits may encourage them to drive faster to meet schedules."
Infrastructure damage was another significant concern, with RoSPA pointing out that "heavier vehicles moving at higher speeds place additional strain on road surfaces".
This could result in increased maintenance costs and create additional hazards for all road users due to road defects. The safety experts also highlighted environmental concerns in their opposition to higher HGV speed limits.
"The potential for increased fatal and serious collisions, more noise pollution, negative environmental impacts, and the added strain on road infrastructure outweighs any benefits," RoSPA said..
They noted that faster-moving heavy vehicles would lead to increased emissions and higher fuel consumption. This would particularly impact rural areas where road conditions may be less optimal.
"Prioritising safety, environmental concerns, and long-term infrastructure integrity should take precedence," the organisation concluded.
Their stance aligns with Scotland's broader environmental objectives, suggesting that maintaining current HGV speed limits would better support these goals.
Caitlin Taylor, RoSPA's Road Safety Manager, said: "While there may be some perceived benefits to increasing the speed limits for goods vehicles - such as reduced journey times and less driver frustration - the risks associated with this change are significant."
The organisation also stated that safety features on modern HGVs may be less effective at higher speeds. "The faster the vehicles are travelling, the harder it becomes for these safety systems to operate as efficiently, especially in emergencies," the group noted.
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Under the proposals, HGVs would see speed limits increase by 10mph while cars would have lower limitsGETTYThey also raised concerns about traffic flow, suggesting that having HGVs travelling at speeds more similar to cars could create dangerous situations. This could lead to difficulties for drivers in judging safe gaps when overtaking or reacting to traffic flow, the group warned.
In contrast to their opposition to HGV speed increases, RoSPA has supported reducing the national speed limit on single carriageway roads from 60mph to 50mph for cars and motorcycles.
