UK Government HGV speed increase proving unpopular

According to the UK-based Transport Research Laboratory’s findings, the typical vehicle stopping distance at 60mph (96kph) is 20 metres greater than at 50mph. For fully loaded Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) the increase would be even more pronounced, leaving drivers much less time to react in an emergency. Even a 1mph reduction in average speeds equates to a 5% less chance of a crash, says the UK's Department for Transport (DfT).

Despite this, maximum speed limits for HGVs are about to rise under new rules for England and Wales, according to a recent announcement from UK Under Secretary of State at the Department for Transport Claire Perry.