UK national speed limit on single carriageways could be cut to 50mph

National speed limits in Scotland could be lowered for cars and increased for HGVs under controversial new plans. Transport Scotland has opened a consultation that explores slashing the limit for cars on single carriageways from 60mph to 50mph.

Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “We must never lose sight of the fact that one death on our roads is one too many. 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.”

Martin Reid, policy director for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for the Road Haulage Association, said: “The Scottish Government should be commended for consulting on the change to HGV speed limits. The 50mph trial on the A9 has resulted in a reduction in risky overtaking with a resultant improvement in safety, backed up by a decade of data from roads in England and Wales.

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“The extension of a 50mph limit across all Scottish single-carriageway A-roads should be expected to yield similar results. We also know that lorries use less fuel and create fewer emissions when they can drive at 50mph, and shorter journeys create savings which can be passed on to customers.”

The consultation runs until Wednesday 5 March 2025 and series of engagement sessions will also be held early in 2025. Responses will be analysed to inform final recommendations and the findings will be published in summer 2025.

The consultation explains: "The Scottish Government has undertaken a National Speed Management Review to examine the potential effects of changes to speed limits across Scotland. The review supports Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2030 and seeks to ensure speed limits on Scotland’s roads are appropriate and help contribute to a reduction in injury and death on our roads.

"This consultation invites feedback on proposals to lower the national speed limit on single carriageway roads from 60 mph to 50 mph and to increase speed limits for goods vehicles exceeding 7.5 tonnes on single carriageways from 40 mph to 50 mph and dual carriageways from 50 mph to 60 mph."