Galloway and West Dumfries MSP ‘baffled’ by proposal to reduce speed limit of cars
The Scottish Government is seeking feedback on a potential reduction in the speed limit for cars from 60mph to 50mph. Alongside this proposal, there is a campaign to increase the speed limit for lorries on the A75, a move that has left one politician puzzled. Galloway and West Dumfries MSP, Finlay Carson, who has been advocating for changes to lorry speed limits, expressed confusion over the concurrent consideration to lower the speed limit for cars.
Carson highlighted the issue of driver frustration on the A75, a road notorious for accidents, often stemming from motorists overtaking lorries adhering to existing speed restrictions. He believes that allowing lorries to travel slightly faster could reduce the need for risky overtaking manoeuvres and ultimately lessen the number of accidents. Carson expressed satisfaction with the Scottish Government’s decision to conduct a public consultation on this matter after years of lobbying.
The consultation, part of the National Speed Management Review, also includes plans to raise the speed limit for HGVs on dual carriageways from 50mph to 60mph. Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop emphasised the government’s commitment to road safety and its goal of making Scotland’s roads the safest by 2030. The proposed speed limit changes aim to enhance road safety by reducing the number of injury collisions while maintaining journey times.
Hyslop encouraged public participation in the consultation, available online at www.transport.gov.scot. Engagement sessions will be held to gather a wide range of voices on these proposals. The consultation period will run until March 5, and stakeholders are urged to contribute to shaping the future of road safety in Scotland.
Overall, the proposal to potentially lower the speed limit for cars while increasing the limit for lorries has sparked debate and raised questions about the impact on road safety and driver behaviour. It remains to be seen how stakeholders and the public will engage with the consultation and what implications the speed limit changes may have on road safety in Scotland.