Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, today met with Transport Minister Keith Brown and senior officials from Transport Scotland to discuss a pilot which would increase the speed limit for HGV’s on the A9.

The meeting follows a debate which was held last week in the Scottish Parliament to discuss the current 40mph limit.

Commenting on this, Dave said: “I had a very positive meeting today with the Transport Minister, who was receptive to the case I made for the pilot.

The lower speed limit for HGV’s has caused considerable congestion on the single carriageway sections of the A9 as HGV’s ‘platoon’, prevents cars from passing easily or safely.

Dave Thompson, as well as a number of organisations including the Road Hauliers Association, has been campaigning to secure a trial which would increase the speed limit for HGV’s.

Adding to this, Dave said: “I believe there is a strong case for a higher HGV speed limit on single carriageway roads. As well as reducing journey times, there will be environmental, economic and most importantly safety benefits for all road users.

“The Scottish Government has already committed to dualling the A9 between Perth and Inverness, which will mean vehicles with more restricted speeds can be safely passed, but in the meantime I believe a pilot would be valuable.”