Grampian Police are concerned about the number of commercial vehicle drivers who have been exceeding the speed limit for their class of vehicle.
Leslie Harrold, Road Safety Manager with Road Safety Grampian said, “Over the space of two days in April, twenty drivers of commercial vehicles were detected speeding on two local A class roads. At one location on the A96 Aberdeen – Huntly road, seven commercial drivers were detected in one hour, with many of them driving vans.
“If you are driving a van or goods vehicle not exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight, then on a single carriageway the speed limit for your vehicle is 50 mph, not 60 mph. If you are driving on a dual carriageway, the limit is 60 mph, not 70 mph. Many car drivers complain about driving on a dual carriageway at 70 mph but regularly being overtaken by vans, traveling between 70 – 80 mph and goods vehicle drivers need to be aware of the reduced speed limits which can apply to them.
“If you are driving a goods vehicle exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight on a single carriageway road, for example the A947 Aberdeen to Banff road, the speed limit for your vehicle is 40 mph. This rises to 50 mph when you are driving on a dual carriageway road.
“Being detected for a speeding offense can result in a number of enforcement actions, including a fine, penalty points or even disqualification. As possession of a valid driving license is a vital element of a commercial driver’s livelihood, then risking by being unaware of the relevant speed limit just doesn’t make sense.
“Whether you own a commercial vehicle, drive a company vehicle or a even a vehicle you have hired, it is your responsibility to know the speed limit for the vehicle you are driving.”
More information on the various speed limits and speeding generally can be found on www.direct.gov.uk
