The Scottish government has recently unveiled a proposal aimed at revising the speed limits on various types of roads, particularly focusing on cars and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs). Under these new plans, the speed limit for cars could potentially be lowered from the current maximum of 60 mph to 50 mph on single carriageway roads. Simultaneously, the proposed changes would see an increase in speed limits for HGVs, raising them from 40 mph to 50 mph on single carriageways, and increasing the dual carriageway limit from 50 mph to 60 mph. These adjustments are part of a broader initiative intended to improve road safety and mitigate the alarming rise in traffic-related fatalities observed in recent years.
Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop announced these proposals during a Road Expo event in Glasgow, highlighting the concerning spike in road fatalities, which have reportedly risen by 26% in 2024 compared to the same timeframe in 2023. The government is pushing to halve the number of deaths and serious injuries on Scotland’s roads by the year 2030, marking road safety as a top priority in their transport agenda. The intention behind altering speed limits is backed by findings from the National Speed Management Review, suggesting that updating these limits could significantly reduce the occurrence of injury collisions, while maintaining the reliability of journey times.
However, the plans have faced criticism, particularly from the Scottish Conservatives, who labeled the initiative as a misguided tactic that unfairly targets motorists in rural communities—areas where reliance on cars is often greater due to the limited availability of public transport. Critics argue that instead of changing speed limits, the government should concentrate on upgrading existing roads, focusing on critical routes such as the A96 and A90, which serve these regions. This demonstrates a clash of priorities between enhancing road safety through speed regulations versus the infrastructural needs of rural areas.
As per the current regulations in Scotland, speed limits state 30 mph in built-up zones, 60 mph on single carriageways, and 70 mph on dual carriageways and motorways, while local authorities can impose lower limits in specific circumstances. Martin Reid, policy director for the Road Haulage Association (RHA), commended the government for their consultation on HGV speed limit adjustments. Reid noted that previous trials, like the 50 mph speed limit on the A9, have led to improved road safety outcomes, supporting the logic that a similar approach applied to single carriageway A roads could yield beneficial results.
Moreover, proponents of the new speed limit measures argue that allowing lorries to travel at 50 mph rather than 40 mph will enhance fuel efficiency and lessen emissions, ultimately saving operational costs that could benefit consumers. The RHA noted that slower speeds can reduce risky overtaking maneuvers, promoting a safer environment for all road users.
In terms of statistics, while the number of deaths in 2023 was among the lowest recorded—with 155 fatalities, a decrease of 16 from the previous year—there was still a notable increase of 3% in overall casualties, totaling 5,788. Speeding remains a critical concern, contributing to approximately 20% of road deaths in Scotland. This reflects the urgent need for effective measures to tackle speeding as part of the wider road safety strategy.
Lastly, the consultation period for the new legislation is set to run until March 5, 2025, providing the public with an opportunity to voice their opinions on these significant changes through the Transport Scotland website. The outcome of this consultation could potentially reshape the future of road safety and speed regulations in Scotland, navigating the balancing act between improving safety and accommodating the needs of various road users.
