Make motorway limit 80mph says government report
Published: 14th January 2007
Category: Statistics & Research
Reader's Rage: [37votes]

The speed limit on motorways should be raised to 80mph a report commissioned by the Highways Agency concluded. The higher limit is to help the road network function more efficiently - the target speed is 78mph enabling quicker journeys without jeopardising safety.

The report examined economic benefits of travelling at speeds of between 30 and 100mph taking into account driving time, fuel and accidents. Similar calculations revealed that 71mph was the most beneficial speed for dual carriageways while 54mph was the ideal for single carriageways - lower than the current 60mph limit.

The report from the TRL (Transport Research Laboratory) said: "At these targets, the network would operate in a balanced, safe, reliable and economic way to benefit society and users." A Department for Transport spokesman said "There are no current plans to change national speed limits but the department will look at the findings of the report."

Our comment: Driving groups have been calling for a 80mph limit for years because the current one is based on research from over 40 years ago. Things have changed a lot since then and the government should seriously consider this report that they requested.

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