UK motorway speed limit to go up to 80mph?

Date: 4/10/2011

The national speed limit on the UK's motorways could be increased from 70 miles per hour (mph) to 80mph, following a recent government proposal.

Philip Hammond, the Transport Secretary, announced yesterday (October 3rd) that he plans to consider the issue, with the government set to launch a full public consultation later in the year.

Should the proposal receive support, the new speed limit could be implemented during the early part of 2013.

A national speed constraint for motorways was established in 1965 and the Department for Transport acknowledges that in the decades since, vehicles have changed dramatically.

As a result, cars on the road today are far safer than they were back then, with a 75 per cent decline in the number of individuals killed in the UK as a result of motor accidents since 1965.

However, the government notes that road safety is still a priority for it, which is why it is tackling problems such as drink-driving and uninsured motorists.

"While we must ensure that our roads remain among the safest in the world, we must also consider the huge economic benefits that can be created by shortening journey times," said Mr Hammond.

An 80mph speed limit would be similar to that in place in many European Union countries.

France and Italy both have motorway speed limits of 130 km/h (81mph), while Germany's recommended maximum speed - unless signposted otherwise - is also 130 km/h.

Posted by Mary Treen