The British Government has plans to increase the speed limit on its motorways from 70mph (113km/h) to 80mph (129km/h).

The current 70mph was introduced in 1965 and statistics show the rate of road deaths in Britain have dropped by 75% since then. A survey held earlier this year by the Institute of Advanced Motoring revealed over 70% of those surveyed support an increase in motorway limits.

Studies have also shown that 49% of UK motorists admit to breaking the current 70mph limit on a regular basis. While 60% say they would be more likely to adhere to an 80mph limit.

Transport Secretary, Philip Hammond, says: “It is time to put Britain back in the fast lane of global economies and look again at the motorway speed limit which is nearly 50 years old, and out of date thanks to huge advances in safety and motoring technology.

“Increasing the motorway speed limit to 80mph would generate economic benefits of hundreds of millions of pounds through shorter journey times. So we will consult later this year on raising the limit to get Britain moving.”

Before anyone gets too excited about this proposal it’s worth noting the increase is scheduled for 2013 with consultation to commence later this year.

As you would expect environmentalists are concerned over the possible increase in CO2 emissions as well as increased fuel use. We expect safety issues will also be raised during the consultation.

Whatever happens the debate will be interesting and, of course, we’d love to hear your thoughts on the matter and if you think a similar approach would ever be seriously considered in Australia.

[Source: The Guardian & Cars.co.uk | Pic: James Woodward]