Heavy goods vehicles will be legally allowed to travel faster on major trunk roads after the Government announced a ‘modernisation’ of the law. Lorries travelling on dual carriageways will benefit from a speed limit increase from 50mph to 60mph, although HGVs are also legally obliged to be fitted with 56mph speed limiters for safety reasons.
The changes, announced by Transport Minister Claire Perry, follow an increase of the HGV speed limit on single-carriageway roads earlier in the year.
The new law will come into effect on April 6, 2015, at which point the Government claims that lorry drivers will benefit from countrywide ‘speed limits that are better suited to a modern transport network’.
Ms Perry said: “It is really important that speed limits for lorries reflect the needs of a modern transport network and improved vehicle technology.”
“Britain has one of the best road safety records in the world and I am determined to ensure this continues. This change is about ensuring rules for lorry drivers’ speed limits are in line with other larger vehicles on our roads, creating a fairer and more proportionate system.”
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