The Scottish Government has formally abandoned its controversial proposal to reduce the national speed limit on single carriageway roads from 60mph to 50mph. The decision follows a record-breaking public consultation that saw overwhelming opposition to the plan.
A Transport Scotland consultation received nearly 20,000 responses—the largest in the body’s history—with 90% of respondents rejecting the idea that a blanket reduction would help meet road casualty targets. Concerns over increased journey times and driver frustration were central to the feedback, with 89% believing the change would worsen travel times.
The move comes amid new road safety data. Provisional figures for 2024 show 160 road deaths in Scotland, an increase of 13 from the previous year, though total injuries fell from 5,838 to 5,576. The government maintains its 2021 target to halve road deaths by 2030.
HGV Speed Limits to Rise
While the car speed limit reduction is shelved, separate plans to increase speed limits for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) on single and dual carriageways will proceed. The change, aligning lorry speeds more closely with other traffic, aims to improve safety by reducing speed differentials, easing frustration, and cutting risky overtaking maneuvers.
The Road Haulage Association welcomed the HGV decision, citing positive results from a trial on the A9 and anticipating benefits for safety, emissions, and economic growth.
Government and Reaction
Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop stated the National Speed Management Review provided "important evidence" and that next steps would be informed by the consultation. Further analysis on the impact of speed limit changes on different road standards will be undertaken.
Conservative MSP Liam Kerr, who campaigned against the 50mph plan, criticised the proposed reduction as a "ridiculous," "senseless" waste of taxpayer money and urged ministers to focus on improving road infrastructure instead.
The government confirmed work on the HGV speed limit increase will begin immediately, while any future policies on car speed limits will require more detailed analysis.
