A new report has suggested a speed limit increase for HGVs has improved road safety.
In 2015 the speed limit for lorries over 7.5 tonnes was increased by 10mph allowing them to travel at 50mph on single carriageways and 60mph on dual carriageways in England and Wales. It means they are travelling at similar speeds to other vehicles, instead of much slower – with the aim of improving road safety.
A Department for Transport study looking at the change said there was a possible “statistically significant” improvement to road safety and suggests it has saved businesses millions of pounds a year.
“This move has also potentially improved road safety as it appears to have reduced the risks some drivers take when overtaking slow-moving vehicles,” said Michael Ellis, Roads Minister.
The report also shows that the number of speeding lorries has fallen by about 70 percent since the change in speed limit.
A final report is to be published on the full effects of the speed limit change, particularly focusing on road safety.
