Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Key definition

Acceleration definition

What does Acceleration mean? Acceleration is the contractual mechanism by which a lender (or bond trustee) can require immediate repayment of all sums outstanding after an event of default. It is not defined by statute; its content is set by the facility agreement, trust deed or other finance documents and applied under contract law. Acceleration is typically either (i) optional, exercised by written notice (an acceleration notice), or (ii) automatic on specified triggers, commonly non‑payment, insolvency, breach of covenants, misrepresentation, illegality or cross‑default. Once declared, amounts due include outstanding principal, accrued and default interest, fees, break costs and any “all monies” liabilities (including under...

Acceleration in Construction Projects: Express and Implied Measures, JCT/NEC Processes, Pricing and Bonuses, Extensions of Time, Liquidated Damages Risk and Record-Keeping

Published by a LexisNexis Construction expert

Practice notes

What is Acceleration?

In construction law, acceleration is commonly taken to mean adopting steps to increase the pace of the works so completion occurs sooner than it otherwise would. However, there is no settled legal definition of the term. In Ascon v Alfred McAlpine, the court remarked that ‘acceleration’ is often bandied about as if it were a precise term of art, yet nothing persuaded the judge that this was so. The root idea behind the metaphor is, no doubt, that of increasing speed and, in the context of a construction contract, finishing earlier than planned. On that basis, ‘accelerative measures’ are actions taken—assumed to be at increased expense—with a view to achieving that aim and bringing completion forward.

The Society of Construction Law’s Delay and Disruption Protocol (SCL Protocol) describes acceleration as the Application of additional resources or alternative construction sequences or methodologies, seeking to realise the planned scope of work in a shorter time than planned, or the execution of additional scope of work within the original planned duration. In practice, acceleration often has financial and logistical repercussions for both the employer and the contractor alike...

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Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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