New speed limits for buses, coaches and HGVs

The discrepancy in performance between new buses, coaches and heavy goods vehicles, which are limited to 56mph by speed limiters, and older vehicles, which are able to drive at 70mph, has prompted the Department for Transport to call for a change to the law.

As well as being able to travel at higher speeds, older , coaches and heavy goods vehicles without speed limiters entitled to use the right hand lane of three lane motorways whereas vehicles with them are not.

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “The fact that these older vehicles are able to travel at faster speeds is no incentive for companies to invest in safer and more fuel efficient vehicles.