The Scottish government has announced a trial to raise the speed limit for HGVs along a stretch of the A9.

Under the proposals, lorry drivers will be able to drive up to 50mph on single-carriage sections between Dunblane and Inverness. The move has been welcomed by haulage companies and politicians, who claim that tailbacks will now be significantly reduced.

Transport minister Keith Brown advised the pilot scheme is entirely dependent on the successful installation of average speed cameras along the road. The programme is expected to last for 36 months.

Malcolm Bingham, head of road network management policy at the Freight Transport Association, said: "We welcome the opportunity of such a trial as we believe the current differential in speed limits between HGVs and other vehicles increases the road-safety risk."

It is anticipated that the new speed limit will be in operation by next spring, in time for the Commonwealth Games and Ryder Cup.