Van speed limits set to be simplified.

The Department for Transport is proposing to simplify the speed limits for heavy goods vehicles, including vans over 3.5 tonnes.

The proposals include:

Setting the motorway speed limit at 60mph for all HGVs over 3.5 tonnes
Prohibiting all HGVs between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes from using the right hand lane of motorways with three or more lanes.

The DfT says change is needed because new vehicles are fitted with speed limiters, while older vehicles are not. While newer HGVs are limited to 56mph, older vehicles can drive up to 70 mph on motorways.

This can cause confusion for other drivers and creates a disincentive for companies to invest in safer, more fuel-efficient vehicles. In addition, vehicles with speed limiters are banned from the right hand lane of three-lane motorways whereas those without speed limiters currently are not.