Why Did the Scottish Government Abandon Plans to Lower the National Speed Limit?

The Scottish government has decided not to proceed with plans to reduce the national speed limit on single carriageway roads from 60mph to 50mph due to widespread public opposition. Concerns were raised regarding the potential negative impact on journey times, which influenced this decision. However, the government remains committed to reviewing speed limits, particularly for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), to enhance road safety and reduce speed differentials with other vehicles.

Last updated: 12 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Scottish government has opted to abandon its proposed reduction of the national speed limit on single carriageway roads, a decision influenced by a public consultation that revealed significant opposition. The Transport Secretary, Fiona Hyslop, emphasised the importance of the National Speed Management Review, which aims to make Scotland's roads the safest in the world by 2030. While the speed limit proposals have been shelved, work will continue on adjusting speed limits for HGVs to improve road safety and journey reliability.

Key takeaways

The Scottish government has dropped plans to reduce the speed limit on single carriageways from 60mph to 50mph.
A public consultation revealed widespread opposition, citing concerns over journey times.
Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop highlighted the goal of reducing road fatalities in Scotland.
Speed limits for HGVs on single and dual carriageways will still be reviewed to enhance safety.
The Scottish Greens expressed disappointment over the decision, advocating for lower speed limits to save lives.

Timeline: how we got here

The issue of speed limits in Scotland has been contentious, with the following key dates marking significant developments:

2021: The Scottish government sets a target to halve road deaths by the end of the decade.
2019: The Scottish Parliament rejects a bill to lower the speed limit on residential streets from 30mph to 20mph.
October 2023: The government announces it will not proceed with the proposed reduction of the national speed limit on single carriageways.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The most recent development is the Scottish government's decision to abandon plans to reduce the speed limit on single carriageways. This comes after a public consultation indicated that most respondents opposed the change, fearing it would negatively impact journey times without significantly enhancing road safety.

What was already established

Previously, there was an ongoing debate about speed limits in Scotland, particularly regarding the safety of roads and the need to reduce fatalities. The National Speed Management Review was initiated to gather evidence on how speed limits can contribute to road safety, with a focus on reaching ambitious safety goals by 2030.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The decision to maintain the current speed limit on single carriageways will likely be welcomed by many drivers who rely on these roads for everyday travel. Maintaining the speed limit prevents potential increases in journey times, which could have affected commuters and families travelling in rural areas.

Businesses and jobs

Businesses, particularly those in rural areas, expressed concern that reducing speed limits could disrupt logistics and connectivity. The Road Haulage Association welcomed the commitment to review speed limits for HGVs, suggesting that this could improve safety and efficiency in transport, which is crucial for economic growth.

Policy and regulation

While the proposal to lower speed limits has been shelved, the Scottish government will continue to examine how speed limits can be adjusted to improve safety and reduce accidents. Future policies may still include measures to enhance road safety while balancing the need for efficient travel.

Numbers that matter

160: The number of deaths on Scotland's roads in 2024, an increase of 13 from the previous year.
5,576: The number of people injured on the roads, a decrease from 5,838.
30mph: The speed limit in built-up areas.
60mph: The current speed limit on single carriageways.
70mph: The speed limit on dual carriageways and motorways.

Definitions and jargon buster

HGV: Heavy Goods Vehicle, typically a truck or lorry used for transporting goods.
Single carriageway: A type of road that has one lane for each direction of traffic, often with no central reservation.
Dual carriageway: A type of road that has two lanes for each direction, separated by a central reservation.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, there will likely be discussions within the government and among stakeholders regarding the implications of the speed limit decision. Monitoring public sentiment and road safety statistics will be crucial.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As analyses of road casualty data continue, the Scottish government may explore targeted campaigns on road safety, focusing on high-risk areas. The review of speed limits for HGVs should also be a priority to ensure safety and efficiency.

Signals to watch

Reports on road safety statistics and fatalities in Scotland.
Public consultations regarding future transport policies and speed limits.
Updates from the Scottish government on road safety initiatives and their outcomes.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about local speed limits and any changes that may arise.
Participate in consultations regarding road safety and transport policies.
Advocate for measures that enhance road safety in your community.

Don’t

Assume that speed limit changes will happen without public input.
Ignore traffic safety data; stay aware of how speed limits can impact safety.
Neglect the importance of safe driving practices regardless of speed limits.

Checklist

Review your local speed limits and understand their implications.
Stay updated on discussions about road safety in your area.
Consider how changes in speed limits could affect your travel times.
Participate in local community events focused on road safety.
Engage with local representatives about transport policies and road safety initiatives.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the decision to maintain the speed limit has been made, various factors remain uncertain. Road safety statistics can fluctuate, and public sentiment may change over time. The effectiveness of any future policies regarding speed limits will depend on thorough analysis and the willingness of the government to adapt to changing circumstances.

Bottom line

The Scottish government’s decision to retain the current speed limit on single carriageways reflects a balance between public opposition and road safety goals. As Scotland aims for ambitious safety targets, ongoing discussions and analyses will shape future transport policies. Observing how these decisions impact road safety and journey times will be essential moving forward.

FAQs

What was the proposed change to the speed limit in Scotland?

The proposed change was to reduce the national speed limit on single carriageway roads from 60mph to 50mph, which has now been dropped due to public opposition.

Why did the Scottish government decide against lowering the speed limit?

The decision was influenced by a public consultation that showed significant opposition, with concerns raised about the impact on journey times and road usability.

What are the current speed limits in Scotland?

In Scotland, the speed limits are set at 30mph in built-up areas, 60mph on single carriageways, and 70mph on dual carriageways and motorways.