Hauliers on roads across England and Wales are set to benefit from a change to the speed limit on single carriageway roads.

The government claims the change, which will see the speed limit on such roads raised from 40 mph to 50 mph, could result in a boost to hauliers' business of £11 million per year.

A consultation has also been launched on whether to increase the speed limits for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) on dual carriageways from 50 mph to 60 mph.

This change in speed limit for HGVs will come into force in early 2015, bringing the UK into line with other countries such as Denmark and Norway. The proposed increase for dual carriageways could come into effect at the same time, depending on the outcome of the consultation.

Transport minister Claire Perry said: "We're are doing all we can to get Britain moving and boost growth. This change will do exactly that and save our haulage industry £11 million a year."