New proposals have been put forward to increase the current motorway speed limit by 10mph to 80mph. The change has been suggested as a way of increasing mobility on our roads during the recent difficult financial times, and they hope it will help get Britain moving again.
There has been some concerns raised by various motoring organisations such as the Institute of Advanced Motorists, who have suggested a trial run on a controlled and monitored stretch of motorway to test motorists reaction to the speed increase.
The main argument for the increase seems to be that over 50% of motorists admit to travelling at 80mph already, so there wouldn’t be that much of a difference to people’s average speed anyway. This is probably because the law allows up to 10% plus 2 on the speed limit which would allow you up to 79mph.
The argument against, and this is a view held by West Hull School of Motoring, is that if you take the fact that people are already travelling at speeds above the current limit, surely then they would certainly carry on with that behaviour and so an 80mph speed limit would effectively mean that 50% of motorist would be travelling at 90mph, which is a substantial increase, one which many believe would lead to a significant rise in injuries and fatalities on our motorways.
There are many things to consider on this matter, such as would the increased speed limit eradicate traffic jams? Or what about the increased fuel usage and the effect on the environment? But whatever your own view, its to be hoped that peoples safety comes first when the government makes its final decision.
