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.
Colin Marr, Chief Executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, said, “The business community in the Highlands and Moray already faces significant challenges due to our transport infrastructure. Slowing our major routes even further risks putting our economy at a disadvantage compared to the rest of Scotland. We need investment in better roads, not policies that make them slower and less effective for the people and businesses who rely on them every day.
“This is about more than just speed limits – it’s about recognising the unique transport realities of rural Scotland. Our communities travel long distances for work, healthcare, and education, often with no viable public transport alternative. Reducing the limit to 50mph will not solve the real safety issues, but it will slow down our economy and our daily lives.”
The Chambers are calling on the Scottish Government to take a more holistic approach to road safety, focusing on urgent investment in road condition, maintenance, and signage, while considering the specific needs of rural and remote regions.