New 80mph Speed Limit?

The Coalition has signalled it may allow drivers to drive at 80mph. The government may attempt, after public consultation, to turn the proposal into law before the parliamentary recess in the summer. The present speed limit dates from 1965 and some suggest that the figure was decided as it was the top speed that a 1960's Ford Anglia could manage as a typical family car. Part of the consultation will discuss whether the new limit should come into effect on all motorways. 

The proposal finds support from the road safety campaign group Safe Speed. The group’s co- founder Claire Armstrong said: “To set it at 80mph is fair and reasonable as drivers are doing it any way.” “Research suggests that even if you set it at 90mph, you find people will still drive between 80 and 85mph.” Also in agreement with the plans is the AA.

In France and Italy the maximum speed limit is 81mph, while in Ireland and Spain the limit is 75mph. The economic benefit to the government of drivers spending their money on petrol. Apparently, we use 25 per cent more fuel at 80mph then we do at 70mph. Another factor in the mix is the decrease in revenue from speeding tickets. 

Contrasting views:

Kelvin Clinton the head of road safety at the Royal  Society for the Prevention of Accidents: “It would be a mistake to increase the limit on motorways because higher speeds would mean not only more crashes but more severe crashes.” “Higher speeds would also mean increased fuel consumption." Also against the move is the Parliamentary Advisory Council on Transport Safety, which has argued that an increase in speed will mean an increase in road accidents of between 5 and 10 per cent. 

M23LAW would welcome any comments on this proposal.