New HGV speed limits on A9 are given official go-ahead
THE new speed limit to allow HGVs to travel at 50mph on sections of single carriageway on the A9 between Perth and Inverness comes into force next week.
It will become operational on Tuesday at the same time as the average speed camera system on the route.
Legislation for the pilot, which was approved by the Scottish Parliament earlier this year, was signed today and aims to improve journey times and driver behaviour, by reducing frustration, queue lengths and journey times for HGVs.
Transport Minister Keith Brown said: "This pilot is part of a package of measures that is being taken forward to improve the operational performance of the A9 and to enhance safety.
"We want to see reliable and competitive journey times for all road users, including the freight haulage industry. Simply raising the speed limits for HGVs could have a detrimental effect, but the use of average speed cameras as part of the pilot helps support the wider changes we are making to promote an overall improvement in driving conditions.
"The 50 mph HGV pilot will bring operational benefits and help reduce frustration on Scotland’s longest road."
Chief executive of the Road Haulage Association Richard Burnett said: "The key issue here is one of improving journey time reliability for hauliers and other road users alike.
"Many A9 incidents, together with the resultant delays, are caused by no more than sheer motorist frustration when getting stuck behind a slow moving heavy goods vehicle. It makes sense that a 10mph reduction in the speed differential between cars and HGV’s will mean a corresponding reduction in frustration and accidents.
"In addition to improved efficiency, as most modern trucks do not get into top gear at 40mph, there are potential safety benefits. This really is a win-win situation for all users of one Scotland’s major arterial routes."
