UK drivers divided on motorway speed limit proposed change

When asked if they believed the UK motorway speed limit should be changed, drivers were divided <i>(Image: Ben Birchall/PA Wire)</i>
When asked if they believed the UK motorway speed limit should be changed, drivers were divided (Image: Ben Birchall/PA Wire)
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An ongoing debate over raising the motorway speed limit to 80mph has revealed a clear generational divide.

It follows an in-depth survey of more than 2,000 people on behalf of DrivingExperience.com.

More than half of respondents (54%) are opposed to increasing the current 70mph limit.

The strongest opposition came from the older generation, with nearly two-thirds (64%) of those aged over 65 wanting to keep the existing limit, compared to less than half (47%) of 18 to 24-year-olds.

Imran Malek, corporate sales manager at DrivingExperience.com, said: "It's clear to see that 70mph is plenty for many in the UK, the current speed limit that has been in place for nearly 60 years.

"Perhaps it is a reflection, especially among the older generation, that despite modern cars being much safer, lots of drivers still believe that human response to driving hazards is just as important, so increasing the speed limit could increase driving risk."

Regional differences were also apparent, with 70% of respondents in Northern Ireland wanting to keep the limit at 70mph, compared to just 49% in the South East of England.

Imran added: "Those wanting to put pedal to the metal can still do so by booking a supercar driving experience at a race circuit or airfield.

"These take place in a safe environment, with expert instructors offering guidance and advice to improve driving techniques."

"There are also other ways to become a safer driver, such as with a skid pan experience, where the focus is on learning skid control."


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When did the UK motorway speed limit get introduced?

The current 70mph speed limit was introduced on December 22, 1965, which was initially conducted as a trial.

After that, it was made permanent in 1967 due to a fall in the number of accidents

Do you believe the motorway speed limit should stay as it is? Let us know in the comments.

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