Hauliers seeking speed increase north of the border
Date: 03 September 2007
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Members of the haulage and freight industry is calling on the government to increase the speed limits of some essential routes through Scotland.
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) and the Freight Transport Association (FTA) are seeking to get certain restrictions raised from 40mph to 50mph.
According to Scotland on Sunday, the representatives from the organisations are meeting with Scottish transport minister Stewart Stevenson this week to discuss freight transport issues in the country.
"These speed limits were determined before radial tyres, anti-lock braking or power steering were common," head of FTA policy Gavin Scott told the publication. "It seems stupid that such restrictions should be in place on a good road like the A9."
He said that Scotland was at a competitive disadvantage compared to the rest of the UK, where there are higher speed limits.
What's more, the RHA has pointed out that some speed limits are so low they are dangerous to lorry drivers and other road users as people in cars attempt to overtake.
"We believe an increase in the speed limit on high-grade major trunk roads is needed on grounds of safety and efficiency," RHA director for Scotland and Northern Ireland Phil Flanders commented.
The organisations will also be discussing bridge and tunnel proposals for a new Forth crossing. The current bridge is corroding and HGVs are likely to be banned from using it in 2013.
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