I am gob-smacked that the government wants to raise the speed limit on motorways to 80 miles an hour after years of telling we motorists speed kills.
This is the most misguided, foolish piece of motoring legislation I have heard of. The reason for its introduction is so fickle – most drivers exceed the limit so the 70mph is unenforceable. So if enough of us break an law for long enough then the law can be changed – tell that to the recent rioters. Further there is talk of this higher speed limit boosting the economy as we will reach place quicker – have they ever driven on the M25 , M3, M1, M4 at any time. There measures are in place to reduce the speed to increase traffic flow.
No mention is made of the savings that can made for travelling slower – real money being saved. The US limit of 55mph is no arbitrary limit , that speed was chosen as it was on the average the most fuel efficient speed for most engines. Engine efficiency falls off rapidly after 55 mph falling by a staggering 28% at 80mph when compared to consumption at 55 mph.
This change does not make sense at any measure – legally: we simply do not change laws when sufficient people break a law; safety; speed kills: Germany has over twice as many deaths per year on motorways; economically: at 80 mph we are throwing away one third of the money, when compared to 55pmh, we spend on petrol to reach the next traffic jam... faster.
If the Government was really serious about climate change and reducing the nations's carbon footprint transport as it is the second highest,, after industry producer of carbon would seem a sensible place to try to cut back.
The UK has some of the safest roads in Europe let us keep it that way; keep the speed limit at 70mph – you and your pocket know it makes sense.
This is the most misguided, foolish piece of motoring legislation I have heard of. The reason for its introduction is so fickle – most drivers exceed the limit so the 70mph is unenforceable. So if enough of us break an law for long enough then the law can be changed – tell that to the recent rioters. Further there is talk of this higher speed limit boosting the economy as we will reach place quicker – have they ever driven on the M25 , M3, M1, M4 at any time. There measures are in place to reduce the speed to increase traffic flow.
No mention is made of the savings that can made for travelling slower – real money being saved. The US limit of 55mph is no arbitrary limit , that speed was chosen as it was on the average the most fuel efficient speed for most engines. Engine efficiency falls off rapidly after 55 mph falling by a staggering 28% at 80mph when compared to consumption at 55 mph.
This change does not make sense at any measure – legally: we simply do not change laws when sufficient people break a law; safety; speed kills: Germany has over twice as many deaths per year on motorways; economically: at 80 mph we are throwing away one third of the money, when compared to 55pmh, we spend on petrol to reach the next traffic jam... faster.
If the Government was really serious about climate change and reducing the nations's carbon footprint transport as it is the second highest,, after industry producer of carbon would seem a sensible place to try to cut back.
The UK has some of the safest roads in Europe let us keep it that way; keep the speed limit at 70mph – you and your pocket know it makes sense.
