The Motorcycle Action Group’s response to the Scottish National Speed Management Review Consultation calls for better solutions for speed management. The response opposes a blanket 50mph rural speed limit.
MAG asks for a more effective approach to tackling the issues around inappropriate speeds on Scotland’s rural roads. The response points out that this is not support for inappropriate or unsafe speeds, but a call for a better thought-out response to the issue.
MAG promotes a Welcoming Roads approach to road safety in which use of the roads is both safe and enjoyable. Whilst there are undeniably issues with poor behaviours by some road users, MAG argues that a blanket restriction leads to a backlash as demonstrated by the enormous petition response opposing the Welsh urban 20mph default.
MAG is calling for solutions including increased roads policing in the form of traffic officers with the ability to use discretion as opposed to camera enforcement. Further suggestions include better road design to signal appropriate speeds, and potential consideration of variable speed limits that are aligned with the circumstances such as poor weather conditions. An important suggestion is better training for drivers so that they can better manage risk using the Speed, Surprise, Space model.
MAG’s Director of Campaigns & Political Engagement, Colin Brown, said:
“I find it disappointing that the consultation frames this as a choice between doing nothing or a blanket speed limit reduction for cars and motorcycles. There are other options and keeping the 60mph NSL does not imply there is nothing else to do. We do not deny the need to tackle poor behaviours. But by inappropriate reduction of a national rural speed limit, most compliant road users will feel victimised for safe behaviour while the worst offenders will continue to offend. If you don’t comply with a 60mph limit, why will a 50mph limit change your behaviour?”
On the question of raising the HGV limit MAG has supported this element. Reducing the speed differential between HGVs and other vehicles reduces the need for overtakes and reduces frustration in situations where overtakes are not safe.
The full MAG response can be found here: https://wiki.mag-uk.org/images/2/2c/Scottish_National_Speed_Management_Review_Consultation_Response.pdf