The speed limit for lorries on rural roads is set to rise from 40mph to 50mph. Ministers say that by reducing speed differentials between lorries and cars they will reduce tailbacks and the risk of people dying in dangerous overtaking manoeuvres. They also cite economic benefits to hauliers and a reduction in congestion on busy rural roads claiming they are ending the "antiquated" speed limit restriction on single-carriageway roads to bring Britain into line with other European countries.
Local Transport spokesperson, Caroline Russell said:
"With their decision to increase the speed limits for lorries from 40 to 50mph on rural roads, the government is greatly increasing the risk and severity of crashes. They are ignoring basic physics: lorries are heavy and by letting them travel faster they are adding to road danger. Far better to encourage people in cars to slow down and refrain from dangerous over-taking on country roads renowned for blind bends, hidden dips and poor visibility.
"Rural main roads are particularly dangerous for people on foot, on bikes and on horses. By raising the limit for lorries they are also increasing the speed differential between lorries and vulnerable road users. This is thoughtless and downright lethal for anyone getting about on rural roads under their own steam.
“The transport minister wants to save the hauliers millions of pounds a year, while ignoring the high costs for rural communities in increased collisions and reduced active travel. Our roads should be safe for all and managed for the common good not just for the economic benefit of the haulage industry."
Rupert Read, Green Party Transport Spokesperson, said:
"The Government is showing once again its determination to shred every safety-protection and environmental-protection in its desperation to create 'growth' at any cost.
"The extra fuel that will be guzzled by these speed limit rises, and the extra climate-dangerous emissions caused, for the sake of shaving 30 seconds off some journey, are simply a price not worth paying."