The SNP sounded defiance today over its 'vital' plan to slash speed limits on Scottish roads.
Transport minister Fiona Hyslop said the proposals - condemned by critics as 'nanny state' and 'clueless' - can play a 'significant role' in cutting deaths.
The comments came after a record 19,000 responses were received to the Scottish government's consultation.
Currently speed limits for cars north of the border are 30mph in built-up areas, 60mph on single carriageways and 70mph for dual carriageways and motorways.
While the national speed limit on single carriageways would be reduced to 50mph, the top speed for vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tonnes could go up from 40mph to 50mph.
On dual carriageways heavy vehicles would be allowed to go 60mph instead of 50mph.
The changes would mean significantly different limits applying on each side of the border with England.
The SNP was branded 'clueless' today after unveiling plans to cut the national speed limit from 60mph to 50mph (stock picture)
Ms Hyslop said all responses submitted as part of the consultation, which closed yesterday, will be 'carefully' assessed.
'With over 19,000 responses – the largest ever consultation response Transport Scotland has received – it is clear that these proposals are of great importance to the public and stakeholders.
'Over the coming months, Transport Scotland will carefully assess all feedback before the findings and next steps are published later this year.
'I want to be clear that road safety remains an absolute priority for the Scottish Government and we are fully committed to working towards our ambitious goal of making Scotland's roads the safest in the world by 2030.'
Ms Hyslop added: 'Evidence indicates that these proposed speed limit changes could play a significant role in preventing road deaths and serious injuries whilst maintaining journey times and improving journey time reliability.
'We must never lose sight of the fact that one death on our roads is one too many. These proposals represent a vital step towards making Scotland roads safer.'
Analysis as part of the National Speed Management Review is said to have suggested the changes could 'significantly reduce' collisions where someone is injured, while at the same time ensuring journey times are more reliable.
Transport minister Fiona Hyslop (pictured with SNP leader John Swinney) said the proposals - condemned by critics as 'nanny state' and 'clueless' - can play a 'significant role' in cutting deaths
The number of people killed on Scotland's roads fell from 171 in 2022 to 155 in 2023, but the overall number of casualties increased by 3 per cent to 5,788, with serious casualties up by 9 per cent – from 1,778 to 1,930 last year.
However, Tories have complained that 'the most dangerous driving is when people are overtaking slow vehicles, or speeding far beyond the current 60mph limit'.
Conservative MSP Stephen Kerr said when the plans were unveiled last year: 'This move is typical of a clueless Govt that can only restrict, not improve your lives.'
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