Scotland Proposes Lower Speed Limits for Cars, Higher Limits for Lorries on Single Carriageways

The Scottish government launches a consultation on speed limit changes aimed at reducing road casualties and improving safety.

The proposal would reduce the speed limit for cars on single carriageways from 60mph to 50mph, while increasing limits for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) from 40mph to 50mph on the same roads.
HGV speed limits could also rise from 50mph to 60mph on dual carriageways, with data suggesting this may improve safety and reduce risky overtaking.
The Scottish government cites evidence from the National Speed Management Review, which indicates that adjusting speed limits could significantly lower injury collisions without major impacts on journey times.
Critics, including the Scottish Conservatives, argue the changes could negatively impact rural communities and fail to address broader issues like road upgrades and policing resources.
The consultation, open until March 2025, is part of Scotland’s broader goal to halve road fatalities and serious injuries by 2030, following a year where road deaths increased by 26% compared to the previous year.