Drivers want 80mph motorway limit

23 May 2011 at 11:43

A new survey by Institute of Advanced Motoring (IAM) has found that nearly three-quarters (over 70%) of drivers and riders want the speed limit on motorways in the UK to be lifted to 80mph from the current 70mph.

Of the more than 2,000 people questioned, nearly three in five said they are more likely to stick to the limit if it is raised to 80mph.

Almost 60% confessed that they travel above 70mph when traffic is free-flowing, with a fifth driving at 80 mph or faster.

A study on free-flowing motorway speeds by the Department for Transport showed that over half (52%) of cars break the 70mph limit, while 16% travel at 80mph or faster.

Neil Greig, director of policy and research at IAM, said: "Even though motorways are the safest roads, increasing the motorway speed limit is a controversial subject. This is why we want to see a trial to test its impact on road safety, fuel consumption and driver behaviour.

"A new 80 miles per hour limit would need to be properly enforced to make sure that it does not become an excuse to drive at 90."

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