Introducing a universal national speed limit for all coaches, minibuses and lorries would help reduce confusion and improve safety on UK roads, it has been claimed.
According to the Freight Transport Association (FTA), plans to bring in
a different speed limit for lorries and a higher limit for passenger
carrying vehicles (PCVs) are unlikely to solve any problems.
The group's head of road network management policy Malcolm Bingham said
reducing the limit for smaller trucks to 60mph represented "a step in
the right direction".
However, he called it "odd" that the 65mph limit for PCVs was not being
extended to trucks and lorries.
"For the most part it is the differential between speed limits that
causes the greatest problems so any efforts to reduce this gulf must be
supported," Mr Bingham said.
He added that it would make more sense for the government to harmonise
speed restrictions for all coaches, minibuses and different types of
lorry by setting a national limit of 65mph.
Earlier this week, the FTA called for politicians to force overseas
hauliers to pay their way on UK roads by putting an end to the current
"bring your own fuel policy".
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