Moray Chamber of Commerce Statement on the National Speed Management Review Consultation

Moray Chamber of Commerce acknowledges the importance of improving road safety and reducing casualties as part of Scotland's Road Safety Framework to 2030. However, we have significant concerns about how the proposed changes to national speed limits will impact Moray, particularly its rural communities.

Moray's economy relies heavily on efficient transport links due to its rural nature, with agriculture, food and drink, and other key industries dependent on timely and reliable logistics. The proposed speed limit reductions for single carriageways, while aimed at enhancing safety, risk disproportionately disadvantaging rural areas like Moray.

Many businesses in our region depend on the movement of goods and materials across Scotland’s road network, with single carriageways forming the backbone of our transport infrastructure. Lower speed limits will lead to an economic cost of delay. For example, longer journey times will increase costs for businesses and commuters, impact the overall efficiency of supply chains, and slower journeys could potentially lead to additional congestion and increased pollution. At a time when business is looking for regulation to support economic growth, this policy would create further challenges for industries already under pressure from rising costs and economic uncertainty.

The proposed changes to speed limits also raise concerns for the many individuals in Moray who rely on the road network for commuting and traveling to work. With limited public transport options in rural areas, many workers have no viable alternative but to use private vehicles. Reducing speed limits on single carriageways could significantly increase commute times, creating further challenges for employees and businesses alike.

We urge Transport Scotland and the Scottish Government to carefully consider the disproportionate impact these proposals could have on rural communities. While we support the objective of reducing casualties, this must be balanced with the need to maintain economic resilience and connectivity in regions like Moray. It is essential that any changes take into account the unique needs of rural regions like Moray, where long distances and limited alternative transport options mean the road network is not just a convenience but a necessity.

We encourage all businesses and stakeholders in Moray to engage with this consultation and voice their concerns to ensure the unique needs of our region are represented in the final recommendations. Moray Chamber of Commerce will continue to advocate for fair and practical transport policies that support both safety and economic sustainability.