Government proposals to reduce the maximum legal speed limit for some lorries on our motorways have been met with caution by leading trade body the Freight Transport Association (FTA).

Jo Tanner of the FTA said: "While we welcome DfT’s attempts to simplify the speed limit rules, any such proposals will need to be properly communicated to the general public and there will need to be clear signage on the road network.

"This further emphasises FTA’s call to amend the Highway Code to teach drivers how to behave around larger vehicles and to be more understanding about other road users."

FTA said it is also wary about further legal speed reductions, which will widen the differential between commercial vehicles and motorists.

Ms Tanner added: "Slower speeds do not necessarily mean safer roads. Reducing the speed limit for some lorries will widen the speed differential between commercial vehicles and motorists, which may engender dangerous overtaking from frustrated road users and could actually pose a safety risk."

(PR/GK)