Rules governing Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) will be modernised across England and Wales, transport minister Claire Perry announced today.

The government plans to raise the national speed limit from 50 mph to 60 mph for lorries travelling on dual carriageways, following the increase in speed limits for HGVs on single carriageways announced in July this year.

Perry said: “It is really important that speed limits for lorries reflect the needs of a modern transport network and improved vehicle technology”.

“Britain has one of the best road safety records in the world and I am determined to ensure this continues. This change is about ensuring rules for lorry drivers’ speed limits are in line with other larger vehicles on our roads, creating a fairer and more proportionate system.”

The changes to speed limits will update previous regulation dating back to the 1980s.