Leader welcomes pilot scheme to increase HGV speed limit on A9

The Leader of The Highland Council, Councillor Drew Hendry, has warmly welcomed a decision by the Scottish Government to introduce a pilot scheme to increase the speed limit for heavy goods vehicles on single carriageway on the A9 from 40 mph to 50 mph.

On behalf of other Council Leaders in the Islands and Perth and Kinross, Councillor Hendry wrote recently to Scottish Transport Minister Keith Brown to support hauliers and seek the increase ahead of the introduction of average speed cameras on the A9.

Speaking at the Council’s Community Safety, Public Engagement and Equalities Committee, Councillor Hendry said:  “I am delighted at the prompt response by the Scottish Government to the concerns expressed by hauliers and supported by Council leaders. 

“Increasing the speed limit will reduce the potential of hold ups and driver frustration on our roads. We also welcome the fact that this will be run on a trial basis to ensure that it is evidenced to improve safety.”