Rachael Hamilton MSP believes the Scottish Government is failing to address the need to increase HGV speed limits, despite a wealth of evidence proving it increases safety and efficiency.
In a joint letter with South of Scotland Conservative MSPs, there were calls for the speed limit to be increased from 40 to 50 mph on single carriageways and 50 to 60 mph on dual carriageways.
Minister Graeme Dey replied to the joint letter stating that ‘there are no current plans to increase the national HGV speed limit in Scotland’.
Last July, this evaluation report was published entitled ‘Evaluation of the National HGV Speed Limit Increase in England and Wales Final Report’, concluding that increasing the speed limit of HGVs to 60mph has had no impact on safety.
The report stated that journey time savings and vehicle operating costs were predicted prior to the policy change as translating into benefits of £224.6m between 2015 and 2031.
Yet, the Scottish Government said they will carry out their own National Speed Management Review despite this report.
Mrs Hamilton believes the Scottish Government needs to urgently reconsider its position and give the haulage industry the necessary tools to reduce costs and improve journey times, given the current shortage of drivers.
Rachael Hamilton, MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire said:
”This is disappointing news for the haulage industry in the Borders and right across Scotland.
“The haulage industry is ultimately missing out on the benefits, which cut costs, improve journey times and allow for more deliveries.
“HGV speed limits across Scotland have not been altered following the A9 HGV speed limit trial that concluded the percentage of accidents fell.
“Speed limits have increased in England and Wales to 60mph on dual carriageways and the benefits have not impacted on safety.
“Yet again it’s the separatist agenda in action; rather than a common sense approach.
“I have written back to the Minister urging him to reconsider this position”.