Menu
10/05/2005
The AA clarifies position on motorway speed limits
The AA Motoring Trust has clarified reports that it has backed calls for an 80 mph limit on motorways.
The motoring organisation has confirmed that a suggested pilot scheme for a limit of 80mph related only to certain controlled motorway sections, such as those that are in place on the M25 near Heathrow.
A recent policy paper, 'The Motorway Speed Limit - 70mph, 75mph or 80mph', is one of a series of papers that has been produced to refine policy positions and "stimulate discussion" on the issue.
In a statement, the AA Trust said that the paper agues there are "currently two speed limits: the legal 70mph limit; and the unofficial and generally tolerated 80mph limit, below which drivers are unlikely to be prosecuted".
The organisation warned that a blanket increase in the motorway speed limit to 80mph would, in the absence of strict enforcement, lead to "unacceptable enforcement "drift" to 90 mph" - increasing the risk of accidents and raise the total of fatal and serious injuries.
Under the suggested pilot scheme, the 80mph limit would operate only when traffic conditions were suitable, just as the limit can currently be reduced from 70mph to suit traffic conditions.
While advocating more variable speed limits up to 80mph, the Trust said it believes drivers would need to be "made much more aware of the risks of speed" due to road conditions, traffic density and visibility.
"All these factors would be taken into account to ensure that, on controlled motorways, drivers would know: the speed displayed is right for the conditions; it is safer for them; enforcement will be strict, with minimal tolerance above the set limit," the Trust said.
However, motoring safety groups have opposed the proposals to raise motorway speed limits, saying that they are "irresponsible" and motorways would only become more dangerous.
(SP/GB)
The motoring organisation has confirmed that a suggested pilot scheme for a limit of 80mph related only to certain controlled motorway sections, such as those that are in place on the M25 near Heathrow.
A recent policy paper, 'The Motorway Speed Limit - 70mph, 75mph or 80mph', is one of a series of papers that has been produced to refine policy positions and "stimulate discussion" on the issue.
In a statement, the AA Trust said that the paper agues there are "currently two speed limits: the legal 70mph limit; and the unofficial and generally tolerated 80mph limit, below which drivers are unlikely to be prosecuted".
The organisation warned that a blanket increase in the motorway speed limit to 80mph would, in the absence of strict enforcement, lead to "unacceptable enforcement "drift" to 90 mph" - increasing the risk of accidents and raise the total of fatal and serious injuries.
Under the suggested pilot scheme, the 80mph limit would operate only when traffic conditions were suitable, just as the limit can currently be reduced from 70mph to suit traffic conditions.
While advocating more variable speed limits up to 80mph, the Trust said it believes drivers would need to be "made much more aware of the risks of speed" due to road conditions, traffic density and visibility.
"All these factors would be taken into account to ensure that, on controlled motorways, drivers would know: the speed displayed is right for the conditions; it is safer for them; enforcement will be strict, with minimal tolerance above the set limit," the Trust said.
However, motoring safety groups have opposed the proposals to raise motorway speed limits, saying that they are "irresponsible" and motorways would only become more dangerous.
(SP/GB)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 August 2006
Traffic authorities review speed limits guidance
The Department for Transport has published new guidance to assist local authorities in setting local speed limits. The guidance, designed to promote greater clarity and consistency, covers the setting of all local speed limits on single and dual carriageway roads where drivers should adopt a different speed to the national limit.
Traffic authorities review speed limits guidance
The Department for Transport has published new guidance to assist local authorities in setting local speed limits. The guidance, designed to promote greater clarity and consistency, covers the setting of all local speed limits on single and dual carriageway roads where drivers should adopt a different speed to the national limit.
12 October 2005
Campaigners call for lower village speed limits
Rural campaigners are urging the government to introduce 30mph speed limits in villages. A survey by the Campaign to Protect Rural England found that 70% of county councils are not implementing a 30mph speed limit in villages. In Buckinghamshire, the researchers found that over 100 villages had a 60mph speed limit.
Campaigners call for lower village speed limits
Rural campaigners are urging the government to introduce 30mph speed limits in villages. A survey by the Campaign to Protect Rural England found that 70% of county councils are not implementing a 30mph speed limit in villages. In Buckinghamshire, the researchers found that over 100 villages had a 60mph speed limit.
03 August 2004
Tories pledge to scrap 'money maker' speed cameras
The Tories have pledged to "end the war on Britain's motorists", and audit all speed cameras and speed limits in an effort to "get the government off the back of the sensible driver" and concentrate on criminals.
Tories pledge to scrap 'money maker' speed cameras
The Tories have pledged to "end the war on Britain's motorists", and audit all speed cameras and speed limits in an effort to "get the government off the back of the sensible driver" and concentrate on criminals.
20 January 2012
Wales May Opt Out Of 80mph Limit
The Welsh Government are being urged to opt out of UK proposals to raise the motorway speed limit from 70mph to 80mph. A report from Sustainable Transport Cymru (STC) said increased speeds would lead to more accidents, higher casualty rates and more carbon emissions.
Wales May Opt Out Of 80mph Limit
The Welsh Government are being urged to opt out of UK proposals to raise the motorway speed limit from 70mph to 80mph. A report from Sustainable Transport Cymru (STC) said increased speeds would lead to more accidents, higher casualty rates and more carbon emissions.
04 October 2011
Motorway Speeds Set To Break Limit
German autobahn-style speeds could be coming to Britain with this week's news that the Transport Secretary Philip Hammond has announced his intention to consult on raising the national speed limit on motorways from 70 to 80 miles per hour.
Motorway Speeds Set To Break Limit
German autobahn-style speeds could be coming to Britain with this week's news that the Transport Secretary Philip Hammond has announced his intention to consult on raising the national speed limit on motorways from 70 to 80 miles per hour.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
