Public consultation in the UK to raise the national speed limit

  • Oct 5, 2011
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In these times when speed has been criticised and made a criminal offence, Her Majesty's Government is considering raising the speed limit in England and Wales as the current speed limit which was implemented in 1965 has become outdated. Read on to know more

Newfound hero of motorists in the UK, Philip Hammond, who is the Transport Secretary for Her Majesty’s Government, has announced his decision to launch a full public consultation later this year to raise the national speed limit from 70 to 80 miles per hour (112 km/h to 128 km/h). Philip Hammond was quoted saying, “I want to make sure that our motorway speed limit reflects the reality of modern vehicles and driving conditions, not those of 50 years ago.”

Philip Hammond has rightly pointed out that vehicles have changed dramatically while the national speed limit in the UK was set in 1965 which was understandable for vehicles of the time. Today, automobile technology has advanced several folds which means vehicles can gain and lose speed more quickly which has reduced the reaction time required by drivers. Crucially, modern brakes have reduced stopping distance by a considerable margin. Modern suspension and active safety features such as ABS, ESP, etc have bettered ride & handling and road holding capability of cars. Roads have also become better allowing vehicles to travel at faster speeds. All this means that cars can travel at faster speeds while maintaining their composure on the road and stop quickly should the need arise. 

Road safety is a top priority for the Government and action is being taken to toughen laws against uninsured driving as well as against drink and drug driving. The speed limit being raised on different roads within the UK is subjective and will be analysed for safety and benefits. Raising the speed limit on vans and Light Commercial vehicles will undergo consultation. 

However, the Government in the UK believes that safety cannot be the only consideration while setting speed limits. Analysis has shown that raising the speed limit will generate significant economic benefits worth hundreds of millions of pounds per year from saving of travel time. The Government suggests raising the speed limit to 80 miles per hour (mph) will bring the best balance to costs. 

“Increasing the speed limit on motorways from 70 to 80 miles per hour for cars, light vans and motorcycles could provide hundreds of millions of pounds of benefits for the economy and I will put forward formal proposals for making these changes later this year,” said Philip Hammond, Transport Secretary for the Government of UK. 

Data shows that as many as 49% of drivers in the UK break the 70 mph speed limit. Ministers believe that raising the speed limit would encourage many motorists to stick to the legal speed limit thereby restoring the moral legitimacy of the system. 

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