Proposed Speed Limit Increase

New calls for a raise in the speed limits on the UK's motorways have been met with a mixed reaction this week. Following installation of cameras to parts of the M4 this month the RAC is leading the fight to have motorway speed limits reviewed with a push for a speed limit increase from 70mph to 80mph.

The RAC believes that it is about time there was a review of the current speed limit on the nation's motorways with the current limit not having been reviewed since it was imposed in the late 60's.

The RAC believes that with the technological advances of cars and vans for the present day a speed restriction of 70mph is out of date. They are looking for a review that could see the limit increased to 80mph. They are suggesting that there should be a compulsory motorway test added to the current national driving test to coincide with the speed limit change. This would benefit all future motorists in the UK with our younger generation being prepared fully for motorway driving.

This appeal comes in the wake of the installation of speed cameras to parts of the nation's motorway networks. Many believe that this could see a sharp increase in the amount of cameras on the UK motorways in order to help and raise revenue for the government.

With Britain's motorways being the safest roads in Britain according to traffic accident figures many are suggesting increasing the limit could make them more dangerous. However the fact is that the majority of drivers already travel at 80mph or above on the motorway and this speed has long been seen as the acceptable speed limit by the motoring public. With this in mind why not review the situation and make this acceptable limit the legal limit?

Another option is too adopt schemes that are common on the continent where the speed limit on the motorway varies from a higher speed to a lower speed with deterioration of the weather conditions. This could see an increase in the speed limit from 70mph on wet days to 80mph on a dry and sunny day.

In closing, it is about time that the government reviews the speed limits imposed on the UK motorways in 1969. However the problem is that even if the government increases the limit a small minority of drivers will still feel the need to break the limit and will we be calling for a speed limit increase again in 10 years time? The fact is that regardless of implications involved with raising the speed limit speed cameras are still going to be part of the motorist's everyday life. If you want to avoid those speeding fines, penalty points and the resulting increase in van insurance premiums adhere to the speed limits.