Transport Scotland has announced the publication of the National Speed Management Review public consultation.
The findings were created from more than 19,500 responses in relation to national speed limits on single carriageway.
Following close consideration of consultation responses, government ministers will not be taking forward changes.
Further work will be undertaken to continue to analyse the impact on road casualties and journey times of a speed limit change on different standards of single carriageways.
UK cabinet secretary for transport Fiona Hyslop said: “The National Speed Management Review provides important evidence on how speed limits can help reduce road deaths and serious injuries, and is helping us work towards our ambitious goal of making Scotland’s roads the safest in the world by 2030.
“The next steps have been informed by the huge number of responses to the public consultation.
“Work will be undertaken to further analyse the impact on road casualties and journey times of a speed limit change on different standards of single carriageways and this will inform any future transport policies.”
In relation to Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) speed limits, work will now be undertaken to progress steps to increase speed limits on single and dual carriageways for this vehicle type.
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This change aims to reduce the speed differential between HGVs and other vehicles, helping to reduce driver frustration and improve journey time reliability.
Hyslop continued: “We are also going to start work now on the steps needed to increase HGV speed limits, recognising the consultation feedback and the positive results of similar changes from the A9 HGV speed limit trial and other parts of the UK.
“By reducing the speed differential between HGVs and other vehicles, this change is expected to enhance road safety by reducing driver frustration and improving journey time reliability.
“We must never lose sight of the fact that one death on our roads is one too many. These proposals represent a vital step towards making Scotland roads safer.”
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) welcomed a Scottish Government announcement that the speed limit for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) on Scotland’s trunk roads is to be increased to 50mph.
The trade association supporting people and businesses in the road transport industry has campaigned over many years for the current 40mph to be increased.
RHA policy director for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, Martin Reid, said: “We applaud the Scottish government for this announcement. We have engaged in productive discussions with the Government, and they have listened and acted.
“This is tremendous news for Scotland’s road haulage industry. We believe it will make these roads safer, reduce emissions and help regional and national economic growth.
“We know through the trial on the A9 that when the speed differential between cars and trucks is reduced it also reduces the likelihood of risky overtaking.
“We also know that lorries use less fuel and create fewer emissions when they can drive at 50mph.
“This change will also rebalance the competitive disadvantage faced by hauliers in Scotland, compared to those in England and Wales, because of the current 40mph trunk road speed limit.
“When journeys take less time, they create savings which can be passed on to customers, creating a positive ripple effect throughout the Scottish economy.”
