Drivers have until March 5th to respond to a consultation which could result in major changes to speed limits on Scotland’s roads.
Transport Scotland is seeking feedback on proposals to reduce the national speed limit on single and dual-carriageway roads to 50mph. The consultation began in November 2024, and would also include increased speed limits for HGVs (50mph on single carriageways and 60mph on dual carriageways).
The changes aim to decrease collision rates and promote safer speeds that better reflect the state of Scotland’s roads. The country’s motorists are being urged to share any feedback before the consultation ends.
A report by Transport Scotland estimates that lowering the speed limit would reduce fatalities by at least four people per year and result in 14 fewer serious injuries as a result of collisions. Over 60 years, as many as 170 fatalities caused by collisions could be prevented.
Sue Webber MSP, Scottish Conservative shadow transport secretary, disagrees with the proposed speed limit reduction. She said: “Instead of imposing more curbs on motorists, they should get on with investing in key roads across the county. I would urge Scots to join our campaign to say no to 50mph national speed limits and tell the SNP to think again.”
The move to increase speed limits for HGVs follows similar measures implemented in England and Wales. Speeds were increased from 40mph to 50mph on single carriageways and 50mph to 60mph on dual carriageways in April 2015.
This aims to decrease collisions associated with driver frustration around slower-moving vehicles. Some experts also believe it will boost efficiency and reduce CO2 without compromising road safety.
Stewart Mackie, road safety manager at IAM Roadsmart, noted that speed limit reductions have been seen to reduce collisions, fatalities and casualties from incidents involving HGVs. He said changes in the trial period “has not had a detrimental impact on safety along single carriageway roads”.
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