Thousands of drivers have demanded the complete overhaul of plans to increase speed limits on major roads for HGVs while lowering them for normal vehicles.
The plan launched by Transport Scotland would see the national speed limit on single carriageway roads reduced from 60mph to 50mph for drivers.
The move would also see HGV operators have speed limits on single carriageways increase from 40mph to 50mph, and on dual carriageways from 50mph to 60mph.
The transport authority is currently undergoing a consultation on the proposed changes, but the move has been met with heavy criticism.
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The proposed changes would see HGV speed limits increase to 60mph on dual carriageways
PA
In response to the speed changes, the Scottish Conservatives launched a campaign, "SAY NO to 50mph national speed limits" which has already received thousands of signatures from angry drivers.
The campaign detailed how over the past 10 years, the SNP have "failed to deliver the vital improvements Scotland’s roads need".
It said: "Roads like the A9, A96, A1, A75, A77 and A83 have become notorious for accidents, injuries and deaths. But instead of finally taking action to fix Scotland’s roads and protect drivers, the SNP now want to punish them with more restrictions.
"50mph speed limits on single carriageway roads will penalise ordinary people, without cutting down on dangerous driving."
Transport Scotland began running the consultation on the proposed changes in November with it open until March 5 with drivers urged to share their views before the deadline.
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, stated that the proposed changes represent a "vital step" towards achieving national casualty reduction targets and urged everyone to take part in the consultation.
Scottish Conservative shadow transport secretary Sue Webber MSP told GB News: "For nearly two decades, incompetent SNP ministers have completely neglected Scotland’s roads.
"Their appalling failure to dual the A9, A96 and other crucial roads across the country is putting lives at risk."
She warned that instead of taking action to "protect drivers, nationalist ministers want to punish them with more pointless restrictions".
"Instead of imposing more curbs on motorists, they should get on with investing in key roads across the county. I would urge Scots to join our campaign to say no to 50mph national speed limits and tell the SNP to think again," Webber added.
Meanwhile, Alexander Burnett, Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for Aberdeenshire West warned that the speed limit changes risk "demonising drivers".
He explained that the northeast of Scotland "doesn’t have the luxury of motorways connecting locations" across the region and that the proposals would place a "massive strain" on police, who are already at breaking point.
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Road plans would see HGV speed limits increase to 60mph on Scottish roadsTRANSPORT SCOTLANDIn response to the petition, a Scottish Government spokesperson told GB News: "Proposed changes contained within the review have been rigorously assessed and are expected to reduce casualties and fatalities. International evidence, including France’s successful 2018 speed limit changes, show such measures can lower speeds, reduce casualties and have minimal effects on journey time.
"The assessment indicates that these changes will have a minimal impact on journey times because reduced speeds contribute to smoother traffic flow which reduces congestion. Reducing serious accidents reduces diversions and improves journey reliability."
