Initiative launched to get lorry speed limits across

AN INITIATIVE that aims to improve the safety of large vehicles was launched across Tayside yesterday, writes Jack Mckeown, motoring editor.

Tayside Safety Camera Partnership (TSCP) is aiming to remind people of the lower speed limits for drivers of larger vehicles.

The area’s three local authorities are working with BEAR Scotland and Transerv, who manage the maintenance of trunk road networks.

They’re being joined by three major local companies: Tayside Contracts, Hillcrest Enterprises, and DC Thomson & Co, publishers of The Courier.

All large goods vehicles and heavy goods vehicles in their fleets will display messages to remind drivers that the national speed limit is lower for them.

Around 1,000 vehicles in the region will bear the message. Speed limits for LGVS are 50mph on single carriageways and 60mph on dual carriageways.

For HGVS, weighing over 7.5 tonnes, speed limits are 40mph on single carriageways, 50mph on dual carriageways and 60mph on motorways.

The vehicle decals have been produced by TSCP to encourage HGV/LGV drivers to obey their vehicle’s speed limits and to make other motorists aware of them.

TSCP manager Arron Duncan said: “We greatly appreciate the support of our partners and local companies with this campaign, as they are in an ideal position to bring this to the attention of all drivers, using and travelling behind their fleet vehicles.”

Ken Guild, leader of Dundee City Council, said: “I am happy that we are taking this next step to remind everyone of their responsibilities when they are behind the wheel of a council vehicle.”

Russell Thomson, Perth and Kinross Council’s head of technical services, said: “Safe driving plays a key part in maintaining road safety for all users and sticking to the speed limit is crucial, especially for larger, heavy vehicles.”

Angus Council’s viceconvener of neighbourhood services Jeanette Gaul said: “The council is delighted to support any initiative which promotes road safety, and to spread this message across Angus while our vehicles are out and about in the county.”

For full information go to safetayside.go.uk and for updates on TSCP campaigns and camera locations follow on Twitter @safetayside.