A78 Sharphill Roundabout 40mph speed limit and the impact on UK health and safety law for businesses

A78 Sharphill Roundabout 40mph speed limit and the impact on UK health and safety law for businesses

What has changed

The A78 Trunk Road around the Sharphill Roundabout now operates under a mandatory 40 mph speed limit as set by The A78 Trunk Road (Sharphill Roundabout) (40mph Speed Limit) Order 2026. The change applies to all road users on this section of the route and is enforced under highway legislation. Businesses that rely on road transport or employ staff who drive as part of their role should recognise the potential impact on journey planning, crew scheduling and safety management.

Who is affected

Fleet operators, logistics providers, construction and service organisations, and any business that uses this route for deliveries or staff travel will be affected. Drivers must comply with the new limit, which may require changes to routing, scheduling and vehicle utilisation.

Key duties for employers

To align with UK health and safety law and regulatory compliance, organisations should:

• Update driver policies and safe driving procedures to reflect the 40 mph limit
• Review road risk assessments for transport activities and commute routes
• Ensure telematics and monitoring support compliance with the limit
• Revisit contractor management and fleet governance arrangements
• Coordinate with local authorities if operations intersect the junction
• Ensure training for managers and drivers on speed management and hazard awareness

Enforcement and sanctions

Enforcement is expected through standard highway policing channels. Non adherence can lead to penalties and increased risk of vehicle collision, insurance implications and liability for organisations where staff travel on business.

Steps to achieve compliance

1. Review and update road risk assessment and transport policies
2. Update driver handbooks, induction material and on‑going training
3. Adjust route planning, scheduling and telematics to prioritise compliance
4. Reassess contractor arrangements and fleet management controls
5. Integrate the change into your ISO 45001 health and safety management system where applicable
6. Engage with workers and drivers to communicate the change and gather feedback

What organisations should do next

Implement governance and oversight to monitor compliance, review performance and adjust controls as required. Consider engaging with a specialist such as Synergos Consultancy to support with integrating these changes into your management system and health and safety risk assessments.

Synergos Consultancy can help with integrating these changes into your ISO 45001 health and safety management system. See ISO 45001 occupational health and safety management, health and safety risk assessments, Competent Person support and health and safety support packages or health and safety training.

In summary, the new 40 mph limit at Sharphill Roundabout highlights the need for proactive road risk management, governance and timely compliance to protect workers and maintain operational resilience.