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Speed limits raised for HGV’s – which side of the road are you on?

The government has raised the speed limit for lorries travelling on a single carriageway road to 50 mph – a move that has divided opinion from prominent campaigners on both sides.


United Kingdom – WEBWIRE

Accidents involving HGVs generally cause more serious head and spinal injuries due to their size and weight. Any increase in the speed limit will most likely cause more serious road accidents with other road users and potentially more fatal accidents.

The government has raised the speed limit for lorries travelling on a single carriageway road to 50 mph – a move that has divided opinion from prominent campaigners on both sides.

Transport Minister Claire Perry hopes the new initiative will reduce congestion as well as dangerous overtaking.

Heavy goods vehicles are currently stuck at a 40mph speed limit on single carriageway roads, with lorries weighing anything over 7.5 tonnes having been restricted to the 40 mph speed limit since the 1960’s.

Furthermore the government has also been lobbying to increase the speed limits for HGV’s on dual carriageways from 50mph to 60mph.

This is expected to save the haulage industry over £11 million a year and will bring permitted lorry speeds into line with the likes of coaches and caravans.

Set to be rolled out in 2015, this has sparked anger from Brake, the road safety charity who believes this will cause more accidents. Brake are firmly opposed to these changes taking the stance that more speed equals more accidents.

Emma Greenhalgh, Head of the Road Accident Department at Freeclaim Solicitors agrees, “Accidents involving HGVs generally cause more serious head and spinal injuries due to their size and weight. Any increase in the speed limit will most likely cause more serious road accidents with other road users and potentially more fatal accidents.”

An internal impact assessment conducted by the Department for Transport showed that an increase in the speed limit would impact on the amount of casualties and would be expected to rise by 10 – 20%.

Freeclaim solicitors are specialists in serious road accident claims. We understand that road traffic accidents can be devastating and as such we will fight tirelessly to ensure you get the maximum compensation for your injuries and get you back on the road to recovery.

As specialist road accident lawyers, we are members of MASS (the Motor Accident Solicitors Society) and recommended by the Legal 500 as a leading personal injury firm.

We have the expertise to secure compensation on your behalf. To start your claim, call 0800 612 4472 or visit www.freeclaim.co.uk for more information.


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