Galloway and West Dumfries MSP ‘baffled’ by proposal to reduce speed limit of cars

Galloway and West Dumfries MSP ‘baffled’ by proposal to reduce car speed limit

The prospect of reducing the speed limit for cars has left Galloway and West Dumfries MSP, Finlay Carson, feeling perplexed. The Scottish Government recently initiated a consultation to potentially lower car speed limits from 60mph to 50mph, a move Carson finds conflicting with his advocacy for increasing speed limits for lorries on the A75 roadway.

Carson has been a vocal proponent for raising the speed limit for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) on single carriageways like the Euroroute from 40mph to 50mph, aiming to ease driver frustration and reduce risky overtaking manoeuvres. He believes that accelerating the speed of HGVs could diminish the need for cars to overtake, thus mitigating accidents on the road – particularly prevalent on the A75.

The MSP expressed delight in the government’s consideration of revising HGV speed limits, as he had persistently raised the issue in parliamentary debates. Alongside a group of Tory MSPs, Carson had previously urged for a reassessment of lorry speed regulations, which culminated in the ongoing consultation for the National Speed Management Review. The consultation, running until March 5, also includes provisions to raise HGV speeds on dual carriageways from 50mph to 60mph.

Transport Secretary, Fiona Hyslop, emphasised the government’s commitment to enhancing road safety and reducing traffic-related fatalities. The proposed changes seek to align with the national objective of achieving the safest roads in the world by 2030, supported by substantial investments in road safety initiatives. Hyslop urged public participation in shaping Scotland’s road safety future through the consultation, available online, and upcoming engagement sessions in 2025.

Carson’s bewilderment at the prospect of lowering car speed limits amidst potential HGV speed increases underscores the complexity of balancing road safety with traffic efficiency. The consultation presents an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute to the evolution of Scotland’s road regulations, towards a safer and more sustainable transport landscape.