Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP Skye, Lochaber, and Badenoch has recently written to several haulier companies and two Scottish Government Ministers seeking to discuss the possible benefits of increasing speed limits for lorries along single carriageway segments.

Commenting on speed limits for lorries Dave said: “I have witnessed first-hand the long queues that form behind convoys of lorries who are restricted by a 40mph limit.

“This creates a dangerous driving environment for everyone on the road and I believe there may be good reason to increase speed limits for lorries.

“That’s why I hope a meeting can be arranged to discuss the many aspects involved and determine if an increased speed limit would be appropriate.

The Scottish Government is already working to improve conditions on the A9 by dualling the single carriageway sections that run from Perth to Inverness.

Dave has written to a several hauliers as well as Keith Brown Minister for Transport and Veterans and to Fergus Ewing Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism asking that they consider the benefits of an increased speed limit for lorries. He is also calling for a chance to meet with hauliers and the Scottish Government soon to discuss the potential benefits that increasing speed limits for lorries could have.

Dave further commented saying: “I am pleased that the Scottish Government is moving forward with the dualling of the A9, but in the meantime the A9 is still a dangerous road and increasing the speed limit for lorries may improve driving conditions along the A9.

“An increased speed could not only improve road safety, but would allow goods to be transported more quickly, allowing hauliers to drive in a higher more efficient gear which improves fuel efficiency and reduces their impact on the environment.

“However, this is a matter that would greatly affect a number of aspects throughout Scotland and it should be discussed in detail to determine the best course of action.

Note:

Below is a copy of the letter Dave has sent to hauliers:

Speed Limit for Lorries

As a haulier whom I understand operates in my constituency I’m writing to you because I believe road safety is an important issue which also has an economic and environmental impact. In particular I have concerns about the speed limit for lorries.

I have long campaigned for making improvements to the A9, and I’m pleased that Transport Scotland is taking steps toward dualling this vital carriageway, however this project is only getting started and is not scheduled to be completed until 2025. Until that time, the single carriageway segments of the A9, a large section of which runs through my own constituency, will continue to be a cause of frustration and risk for the average motorist.

I have witnessed first-hand the long queues that form behind convoys of Lorries who are restricted by a 40mph limit. This restriction creates an environment that is dangerous for everyone on the road; the cars behind the Lorries grow impatient and take unnecessary risk by attempting to overtake multiple vehicles.

I believe there may be a case for increasing the speed limit for lorries on safety, environmental, and economic grounds and I would be interested in hearing your opinions on the matter. An increased speed limit for lorries would mean traffic in general would be slowed down less and goods could be transported more quickly between communities. This also means lorries could drive in a higher gear which improves fuel efficiency and reduces their impact on the environment.

I also believe that a meeting in the north with hauliers and the Scottish Government may be beneficial and I would welcome your thoughts on such a meeting and whether you would be likely to attend or not.