Drivers Having Trouble with Cross-Border Speed Limits

If you were to receive your HGV training in South Lanarkshire, you would probably be very accustomed to lower speed limits for HGVs on single and dual carriageways. However, if you took your training in England or Wales, you would now be accustomed to higher speed limits. Apparently, the cross-border differences are causing some problems for drivers travelling between Scotland and England.

Higher speed limits went into effect on Welsh and English roads earlier this year; speed limits in Scotland remained the same. Lorries can now travel 50 mph on single carriageways and 60 mph on dual carriageways – until they reach the border with Scotland. Then they must reduce their speeds to 40 mph and 50 mph respectively. In an attempt to give Scotland more autonomy, UK authorities have allowed the country to set speed limits as it sees fit.

Whether or not Scotland eventually follows suit with the speed limits is as-yet unknown. A test run will be carried out on the A9 between Inverness and Perth beginning in October (2015). The increased speed limits on that section of road coincide with the installation of new speed cameras designed to catch HGV operators exceeding the posted limits. A successful test may mean higher speed limits for HGVs across Scotland.

Speed a Question Everywhere

Questions relating to HGV speeds and overall safety are not exclusive to the UK. The question is being asked by governments the world over. For example, Canada has already implemented a mechanical speed limiter mandate in its provinces to prevent lorries and other large vehicles from exceeding 55 mph. Courts in Ontario have upheld the mandate in a high profile case that was recently dismissed.

In the US, the Department of Transportation is working on a speed limiter mandate of its own. After ten years of study and development, the agency is ready to release its rules pending approval by the Office of Management and Budget. It is expected the rules will be announced before the end of the year.

The haulage industries in Canada and the States have the same concerns about speed limiter mandates voiced by the industry here. Limiting HGV speeds can lead to tailbacks that may motivate frustrated car drivers to try dangerous overtaking manoeuvres. Limiting speeds also slows HGVs down, meaning longer journeys and the potential for more accidents with every passing hour.

Training Is the Key

Regardless of how speed limits are implemented on single and dual carriageways, we believe the best way to minimise the number of accidents involving HGVs is to provide regular and appropriate driver training. When drivers are subjected to routine training, they are more apt to be cognisant of both the law and industry best practices. No law, good intentions aside, is a substitute for proper training.

We offer HGV training in South Lanarkshire as well as more than three dozen other locations throughout the UK. If you are looking to earn your HGV licence, we are the company to train with.

Sources:

Berwick Advertiser – https://www.berwick-advertiser.co.uk/news/border-hgv-speed-limit-confusion-1-3879779