Back in May MJP Motoring mentioned that a 80mph motorway speed limit could be introduced
On the 29th September Philip Hammond, transport secretary, said that he will launch a consultation later this year with a view to introducing the new 80mph motorway speed limit in 2013.
He said “Britain’s roads should be the arteries of a healthy economy and cars are a vital lifeline for many. Now it is time to put Britain back in the fast lane of global economies and look again at the motorway speed limit, which is nearly 50 years old and out of date thanks to huge advances in safety and motoring technology.”
Research already completed by the transport department suggests nearly half of motorists exceeded the enforced 70mph limit speed limit on motorways last year, however very few were being prosecuted. Campaigners are now fearing that raising the limit to 80mph could lead to people driving even faster than at present.
The currently enforced 70mph speed limit was set in 1965. The argument is that cars are now considerably safer, with a fall of 75% in the numbers of people killed every year on British roads since then. The government insists that road safety is still a top priority for them.
The current speed limit of 70mph is lower than that in some European countries. The limit in Ireland and Spain is 75mph while it is 81mph in France and Italy. Germany has the autobahn which is unrestricted (with an average of 88mph in some areas).
What do you think the speed limit should be set at? Fast than 80mph? Slower than 70mph? Variable speed limits? Let us know.
MJP Motoring Solicitors
Sep, 30, 2011