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<p>We consider the change to the 40 mph HGV speed limit will remove an out-dated and
poorly observed speed limit. We consider modernising that limit in itself reinforces
the importance of other speed limits, particularly lower local speed limits. Other
key safety-related laws, such as the ban on using had-held mobile phones whilst driving,
have similar penalties to those for speeding and their importance is likewise enhanced
by the modernisation of the HGV speed limit itself. For mobile phone use whilst driving
large vehicles the Government is already introducing and encouraging the greater use
of vocational driver conduct hearings, where action can be taken against drivers’
licence entitlements.</p><p> </p><p>In addition having the current limit gives rise
to an untenable position where motorists’ expectations of relatively quick journeys
on some rural roads are only being met because HGV drivers are routinely breaking
their speed limit.</p><p> </p><p>Having a law in place which we know to be widely
disregarded can only increase the likelihood that drivers will consider other laws
to be optional, and so the Government decided a change in the HGV speed limit to a
more modern and credible 50mph is necessary.</p>
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