Driver plans second A9 speed limit protest

A large number of drivers have expressed interest in taking part in a second ‘go slow’ protest on the A9 in Scotland, according to one LGV driver, after the Scottish government ruled out plans to increase the LGV speed limit to 50mph and introduced average speed cameras.

Driver Conor McKenna is organising a second protest in an attempt to highlight the safety and economical problems that the current speed limit causes both hauliers and other motorists, by sticking strictly to 40mph.

Although organisers have not yet set a date for the day-long protest this month, McKenna said it has already received interest from over 2,000 truck and car drivers on its Facebook page.

McKenna told Commercialmotor.com: “Everyone here relies on the A9 and the overtaking [by car drivers] is shocking and very dangerous.”

McKenna, who drives for Dingwall-based DPS Transport, hopes that the protest will not only encourage the government to reconsider introducing a 50mph limit on the major trunk route, but also raise awareness with car drivers who blindly overtake trucks.

He says the resulting tailbacks from motorists slowing down for the speed cameras are also likely to affect the number of loads hauliers are able to take per day. He says one Highlands haulier estimated that he will lose one-and-a-half loads through lost time every day.

“The average speed cameras will make the current problems 10 times worse,” he added. “It’s put a lot of drivers’ backs up.”