Speed limit cuts on motorways – reduce traffic accidents?

Department for Transport launches consultation to lower HGV speed limits

The Department for Transport has released details of a proposal to cut motorway speed limits for some classes of vehicles, including buses, minibuses, coaches and HGV’s over 3.5 tonnes.

As well as cutting the speeds at which these vehicles can travel along the motorways, it is also proposed that HGV’s between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes, buses, minibuses and coaches will be banned from using the right hand lane of motorways where there are three or more lanes of traffic.

Safety and Efficiency

All new heavy goods vehicles sold in the UK come fitted with speed limiters, which prevent them from going faster than 56mph on motorways.  The same technology is frequently used in coaches and minibuses, limiting these vehicles to 62.5mph.  But older vehicles that were built before the introduction of speed limiters can still reach upwards of 70mph.  It is hoped that by bringing in the new limits, companies will be persuaded to invest in more modern vehicles for their fleets.  These vehicles will be safer and more fuel efficient than the models they replace and should reduce road traffic accidents.

Motorway accident claims

Have you been injured in an accident on a motorway recently that wasn’t your fault?  If yes, then Camps Solicitors may well be able to help you to make a No-Win No-Fee compensation claim.  Whether you were driving a heavy goods vehicle, a coach, a minibus or a car, if you were not to blame, then let Camps make your claim.  Call now on 0800 092 8586 to speak to one of our claims advisors.