Scottish Government considers speed limit cut to 50mph on single carriageway roads

The Scottish Government is contemplating reducing the national speed limit on single carriageways from 60mph to 50mph in a bid to enhance road safety. Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop has initiated a public consultation on the proposed changes, which also include raising speed limits for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).

Research conducted by the government indicates that these adjustments could lead to a significant decrease in collisions resulting in injury, while still maintaining journey times and bolstering their consistency. Hyslop emphasised the government’s goal of making Scotland’s roads the safest globally, with the consultation seeking opinions from Scottish residents on the plans.

The consultation seeks feedback on lowering the national speed limit on single-carriageway roads to 50mph, as well as increasing speed limits for HGVs exceeding 7.5 tons. On single carriageways, this adjustment would mean an increase from 40mph to 50mph, and from 50mph to 60mph on dual carriageways. The proposals follow a National Speed Management Review assessing the appropriateness of speed limits in Scotland with regards to reducing road injuries and fatalities.

Hyslop stated, “Road safety is a priority for the Scottish Government, and we are dedicated to achieving our ambitious target of making Scotland’s roads the safest in the world by 2030.” She acknowledged the importance of public participation in shaping future road safety measures and highlighted the positive impact that revised speed limits could have on reducing road accidents.

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has welcomed the consideration of higher speed limits for HGVs, citing the success of a 50mph trial speed limit on the A9 in reducing fatal collisions by 20%. The consultation period will run until March 5, with opportunities for online feedback and engagement sessions scheduled for early 2025.

The move to potentially decrease speed limits on single carriageways and enhance road safety aligns with the Scottish Government’s commitment to reducing road casualties and improving overall safety standards. By involving the public in the decision-making process, the government aims to address road safety concerns effectively and work towards achieving their ambitious safety targets.

Summary:
The Scottish Government is contemplating reducing the speed limit on single carriageway roads to 50mph, alongside increasing speed limits for heavy goods vehicles. The proposed changes aim to improve road safety, reduce injury collisions, and maintain journey times. Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop emphasised the government’s commitment to making Scotland’s roads the safest globally by 2030. The public consultation seeks feedback on these speed limit adjustments, highlighting the importance of public participation in shaping road safety measures.