Scottish Speed Limit Review

Why You Need to Act NOW!

Scotland, oh beautiful Scotland – home to some of the world’s most breathtaking driving roads. It’s where the tarmac winds through valleys and over hills, offering an exhilarating experience to anyone behind the wheel. But now, a blanket 50mph speed limit is being proposed for all single carriageways, and quite frankly, it’s a bit of a slap in the face for those of us who truly cherish the joy of driving.

Let’s get to the crux of it. The Scottish Government has opened a public consultation as part of its National Speed Management Review, proposing changes that could reshape driving in Scotland forever. The plan? To cut the national speed limit on single carriageways from 60mph to 50mph while simultaneously raising the speed limits for HGVs to match those in the rest of the UK.

Now, before you shrug and say, “Well, I don’t live in Scotland,” think again. Changes like these often set a precedent for what’s to come elsewhere. What starts as a local policy tweak could snowball into a nationwide directive. So, yes, this matters – whether you’re driving through the Highlands or stuck on the M25.

What’s Really Happening Here?

The proposals are being justified under the banner of road safety. Fair enough, nobody wants dangerous roads. But there’s a big question mark hovering over whether reducing the speed limit will actually achieve this. Modern cars—with their advanced braking systems, adaptive cruise controls, and collision-avoidance tech – are leagues ahead of the vehicles from decades ago when these limits were first established. Is it really the speed that’s the issue, or should we be focusing on better driver education and road design instead?

Plus we’re talking about single carriageways subject to a national speed limit of 60mph, which by and large do not see pedestrians on them, and in places like Scotland are often in quiet deserted areas.

Meanwhile, the plan to raise speed limits for HGVs—heavy goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes – is equally puzzling. The argument is to reduce speed differentials between cars and lorries, supposedly improving traffic flow. But do we want massive trucks barrelling along at 50mph on narrow, winding single carriageways? The physics alone (hint: stopping distances!) should give us pause for thought.

What’s at Stake

For Scotland, these roads are more than just a way to get from A to B. They’re an experience, a destination in themselves, and a key driver of tourism. Who doesn’t dream of cruising the North Coast 500 or tackling the epic twists of Loch Melfort? Lowering speed limits across the board risks turning these journeys from thrilling adventures into sluggish slogs.

And let’s not forget the potential economic impact. Slower journey times could discourage road trips, affecting businesses that rely on motoring tourism. On top of that, many drivers might just ignore the new limits altogether, leading to increased frustration and dangerous overtaking manoeuvres.

Have Your Say

Here’s where you come in. The consultation is open until 5th March 2025, and it’s your chance to make your voice heard. Whether you’re for or against these changes, it’s better to get involved now than to complain later when it’s too late.

The form is straightforward and takes about 15 minutes to fill out. You can find it here:
👉 Scottish Government Speed Limit Consultation

What I Think

Personally, I think this is a misstep. Roads should be safe, absolutely, but blanket restrictions rarely account for the nuances of different areas. Instead of slashing limits, why not invest in better road infrastructure, clearer signage, and more targeted speed controls for genuinely high-risk areas? And as for raising HGV limits, let’s think long and hard about whether the marginal gains in traffic flow are worth the increased risks.

But that’s just my opinion. What’s yours? Let me know in the comments or, better yet, go and fill in the consultation form.

Final Thoughts

Scotland’s roads are a treasure, and they deserve policies that balance safety, enjoyment, and practicality. Let’s make sure any changes are made with proper consideration, and not just for the sake of ticking bureaucratic boxes. Act now, because this might just be one of the most important motoring decisions of the decade.

Don’t forget to share this post and the video with your friends—let’s get the conversation going!

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