Big changes could be coming to Scotland’s roads. Transport Scotland has proposed lowering the speed limit on single-carriageway roads from 60mph to 50mph.
Why? The goal is to cut down on accidents that cause injuries or fatalities, all while keeping travel times reasonable. Trials on the A9 between Falkirk and Scrabster Harbour already show promise, reducing risky overtaking and improving overall safety, according to Martin Reid from the Road Haulage Association.
Reid believes expanding the 50mph limit across all single-carriageway A-roads in Scotland could lead to similar safety benefits.
But that’s not the only change. Under the National Speed Management Review, the proposals also include raising speed limits for larger goods vehicles. Trucks over 7.5 tonnes could go from 40mph to 50mph on single-carriageway roads and from 50mph to 60mph on dual carriageways.
“We must never lose sight of the fact that one death on our roads is one too many,” said Fiona Hyslop, Scotland’s transport secretary. She emphasised, “These proposed changes represent a vital step towards achieving national casualty reduction targets and I urge everyone to take part in the consultation and help shape the future of road safety in Scotland.”
Got an opinion? You can have your say before the final decision in 2025.
