Motorway speeding 'increases congestion and risk of collisions'

Date: 28/10/2010

The issue of motorway speeding needs to be addressed in order to reduce the number of deaths on UK roads, it has been claimed.

Julie Townsend, Campaigns Director at Brake, said people may think they are saving time by driving faster on motorways but in fact, they are contributing to congestion and increasing the risk of being involved in a serious crash.

She was commenting on the results of a survey carried out by the road safety charity in conjunction with Direct Line, which found six-in-ten motorists admit to driving at 80 mph or more on motorways, while one-in-four do so at least once a week.

Brake stated vehicles travelling at these "dangerously-high speeds" will take far longer to stop and will have a greater impact in a collision, while research shows it affects the flow of motorway traffic and causes jams.

Last month, a study conducted by the Institute of Advanced Motorists found 90 per cent of motorists aim to comply with speed limits, but 60 per cent say they find it difficult to do so.

Posted by Sarah Bailey