Chamber and committees

Petitioner submission of 25 February 2022

PE1925/B - Bring the HGV speed limit on major trunk roads to 50mph in line with other parts of the UK

The opinion that I get from the information that you have sent me to read is that the only reason the speed limit will not be increased is as follows.

1. HGV drivers are already travelling at speeds higher than the 40 mph limit especially on trunk roads.

2. Due to the fact HGV drivers are restricted by driving hours they are forced to travel the longer distances on Scottish trunk roads at speeds in excess of the speed limit of 40mph.

3. I believe the revenue the Scottish government receives from fines imposed on HGV drivers restricted by the 40 mph limit is why it will not be increased to 50mph.

4. I don’t believe that any of the people drawing up the report drive along A75 daily from end to end in a HGV witnessing the queues and risk taking of faster vehicles.

My recommendation for the decision makers is to travel with a driver of an HGV on the 100 mile A75 trunk road in both directions on the same day.

One way at the 40 mph limit and the other way at a higher speed when and where it is safe to do so.

This would give them some idea of the problems caused by slow moving traffic!