HGV drivers issue warning to all motorists when overtaking lorries on motorways

Motoring experts have issued a timely warning as the Christmas season picks up pace, urging drivers to exercise caution when overtaking HGVs on motorways. Specialists from Smith Bros highlighted the importance of understanding that heavy goods vehicles have larger blind spots than cars, advising: "When driving around HGVs, remember they have larger blind spots than cars. If you can't see the driver's mirrors, they probably can't see you either.

Avoid staying in these blind spots for extended periods." They further added: "When overtaking, make plenty of space to complete the manoeuvre safely." The truck aficionados also reminded motorists: "After passing, don't cut in too quickly because HGVs need more time to stop.

Always give extra space, especially when they're turning a corner or in poor weather conditions." The advice comes after changes in speed limits for HGVs that were introduced back in 2015, allowing for higher speeds on single and dual carriageways, amounting to 50mph and 60mph, respectively. This comes with an important reminder that in areas such as England and Scotland, commercial vehicles weighing over 7.5 tonnes are capped at 60mph on motorways, whereas those under this weight can travel up to 70mph unless towing a trailer or being articulated - dropping their limit to 60mph.

However, European legislation mandates that all vehicles over a certain weight must be fitted with a speed limiter to restrict speeds to 56mph.

The reason the 56mph EU speed limiter restriction still applies is to provide HGVs travelling at 56mph and are overtaking, or are travelling downhill, a small amount of leeway before they are breaking the national speed limit.

In the UK, the minimum penalty for speeding is a GBP100 fine and 3 penalty points added to the driver's licence.

References

1. ^ We have been cooking carrots wrong for years -chef's simple way to make them 'delicious' (www.birminghammail.co.uk)