Highland and Moray Chambers Unite to Oppose National 50mph Limit on Single Carriageways

Highland and Moray Chambers of Commerce have come together to raise serious concerns over Scottish Government proposals to reduce the national speed limit on single carriageway roads from 60mph to 50mph.

In a joint letter to the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, the Chief Executives of Caithness, Cairngorms, Inverness, Moray and West Highland Chambers – collectively representing more than 1,600 businesses – warn that the move would harm connectivity, further disadvantage rural communities, and fail to deliver the intended improvements to road safety.

The Chambers highlight that the Highlands and Moray already suffer from inadequate transport infrastructure, with the delayed dualling of the A9 and A96, long-neglected local roads in poor condition, and limited public transport coverage. We argue that deteriorating road surfaces, poor markings, and insufficient maintenance are far greater safety risks than the existing national speed limit.

We also warn that lowering the limit could lead to increased driver frustration, potentially prompting unsafe overtaking and heightening accident risks. For businesses and residents who rely heavily on road travel, particularly in remote areas, the change would lengthen already challenging journey times, impacting economic growth and quality of life.

Read the full letter here 

Sarah Medcraf, CE of Moray Chamber of Commerce said: "Our roads are vital lifelines for our people, our economy, and our future. Alongside our Chamber partners across the Highlands, we’ve made it clear to the Scottish Government that cutting the national speed limit on single carriageways to 50mph would harm connectivity and growth, without meaningfully improving safety. Investment in infrastructure must come before restrictions.”