Consultation outcome

Raising speed limits for heavy goods vehicles on single carriageways

• From: Department for Transport and Stephen Hammond
• Published: 9 November 2012
• Last updated: 24 July 2014 — See all updates

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

This consultation has concluded

Read the full outcome

Examining the speed limit for HGV's over 7.5 tonnes on single carriageway roads: summary of response and government response

PDF, 352 KB, 35 pages

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Raising the national speed for HGV's on single carriageway road in England and Wales: impact assessment

PDF, 15.3 MB, 28 pages

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Detail of outcome

This report presents the feedback received during the consultation period, an analysis of the responses and the government’s position following the consultation.

Related documents

• National speed limits for heavy goods vehicles, ministerial statement 24 July 2014
• £11 million boost for hauliers as speed limit raised, press release 24 July 2014
• Increased speed limit for heavy goods vehicles: dual carriageway consultation

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Original consultation

Summary

Proposal to increase the speed limit for heavy goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes on single carriageway roads.

This consultation ran from
9 November 2012 to 11:45pm on 1 February 2013

Consultation description

The maximum speed limit for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) over 7.5 tonnes on single carriageway roads is prescribed in Schedule 6 of the Road Traffic Act 1984. The current speed limit on single carriageways for HGVs over 7.5 tonnes is 40 miles per hour (mph). The speed limit for smaller HGVs (those between 3.5 tonnes and 7.5 tonnes) is 50 mph. The government made a commitment in ‘The logistics growth review – connecting people with goods’ document published in November 2011, to consult on this issue during 2012.

Stakeholders have said that the 40 mph speed limit causes unnecessary cost to vehicle operators, congestion, avoidable overtaking accidents and creates an uneven playing field for businesses.

The freight and logistics sector is an essential part of the economy, vital to businesses of all sizes and sectors. Raising HGV speed limits on single carriageway roads could lead to quicker journeys and lower costs for the sector, aiding economic growth as well as reducing frustration for the many drivers who find themselves stuck behind slower-moving lorries on busy roads unable to overtake.

However there are other consequences of greater speed – both in terms of the environmental impacts and the potential effects on road safety. The department wants to make sure we have carefully considered the evidence of all of the effects on the economy, environment and road safety before any decision is made.

Related documents

• Heavy goods vehicle speed limit increase evaluation: final report (PPR 576)
• Heavy goods vehicles, written statement by Stephen Hammond, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport
• Plans unveiled to increase lorry speeds to boost growth press release

Documents

Consultation document

PDF, 103 KB, 11 pages

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Examining the speed limit for heavy good vehicles over 7.5 tonnes on single carriageway roads: impact assessment

PDF, 280 KB, 18 pages

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Published 9 November 2012
Last updated 24 July 2014 + show all updates

1. 24 July 2014

   Government response and impact assessment for examining the speed limit for heavy goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes on single carriageway roads published.

2. 9 November 2012

   First published.