HC Deb 30 November 1973 vol 865 cc228-9W
Mr. Peter Rees

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what speed limits apply to lorries, and at what weights, in countries of the Common Market ; and what speed limits apply to such lorries in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Peyton

The information, which may not be up to date in all cases and which refers to goods vehicle speed limits, is as follows :

GERMANY
1. In built-up areas :
All vehicles … 50 kph (31 mph)
2. Outside built-up areas; except motorways :
(a) Vehicles up to 2.8 tonnes permitted gross weight … 100 kph (62 mph)
(b) Vehicles from 2.8 tonnes to 7.5 tonnes permitted gross weight … 80 kph (50 mph)
(c) Vehicles exceeding 7.5 tonnes permitted gross weight … 60 kph (37 mph)
3. Motorways :
(a) Vehicles up to 2.8 tonnes permitted gross weight … 100 kph (62 mph)
(b) Vehicles exceeding 2.8 tonnes permitted gross weight … 80 kph (50 mph)
Minimum motorway speed … 60 kph (37 mph)
IRELAND
1. In built-up areas :
Goods vehicles … 48 kph (30 mph)
2. Outside built-up areas :
(a) Goods vehicles normally … 64 kph (40 mph)
(b) Road trains … 56 kph (35 mph)
ITALY
1. In built-up areas :
(a) Generally … 50 kph (31 mph)
(b) Vehicles carrying dangerous goods … 30 kph (18½ mph)
2. Outside built-up areas :
(a) Vehicles exceeding 8 tonnes permitted gross weight … 60 kph (37 mph)
(b) Vehicles carrying dangerous goods … 40 kph (25 mph)
3. Motorways—minimum speed … 40 kph (25 mph)
LUXEMBOURG
1. In built-up areas :
(a) Generally … 60 kph (37 mph)
(b) Vehicles exceeding 15 tonnes permitted gross weight … 40 kph (25 mph)
(c) Vehicles exceeding 3.5 tonnes permitted gross weight, carrying dangerous goods … 40 kph (25 mph)
2. Outside built-up areas :
Vehicles exceeding 5 tonnes permitted gross weight … 60 kph (37 mph)
NETHERLANDS
I. In built-up areas :
(a) Generally … 50 kph (31 mph)
(b) Where trailer extends more than 5m behind towing vehicle … 40 kph (25 mph)
2. Outside built-up areas, except motorways :
(a) Generally … 60 kph (37 mph)
(b) Where trailer extends more than 5m behind towing vehicle … 40 kph (25 mph)
3. Motorways—all vehicles … 80 kph (50 mph)
GREAT BRITAIN
1. All-purpose roads :
(a) Goods vehicles not exceeding 30 cwts. unladen … 50 mph
(b) Goods vehicles exceeding 30 cwts. unladen … 40 mph
2. Motorways :
(a) Goods vehicles not exceeding 3 tons unladen … 70 mph
(b) Goods vehicles exceeding 3 tons unladen … 60 mph
NORTHERN IRELAND
1. All-purpose roads :
(a) Generally … No limit
(b) Vehicles exceeding 30 cwts. unladen, and articulated vehicles … 40 mph
2. Motorways … No limit