Close to half of British drivers would support an increase in the motorway speed limit to 80mph, according to brand new data, released today.
The research, published by ChooseMyCar.com, the UK’s premier used car marketplace, showed that 43 per cent of British drivers think that the speed limit on motorways should be raised from 70 to 80mph. There was a major split in attitudes between male and female respondents, with 55 per cent of men agreeing, compared to just 32 per cent of women.
Gen Z drivers were most in support of raising the limit to 80mph. Over half (59 per cent) of 18-34 year olds agreed a higher speed limit should be implemented, while 48 per cent of those aged 34-54 were in support. This dropped to 30 per cent of over 55s.
Regionally, there were some variations in results. Drivers based in London, Liverpool, and Nottingham were most likely to support an increase in the speed limit (all at 52 per cent), while those in Scotland, Wales, and Leeds were least likely at 38 per cent.
ChooseMyCar.com stats also revealed that close to a third (29 per cent) of drivers admitted to already speeding at 80mph or above on the motorways. Men were more likely to drive above the 70mph limit, with 34 per cent of men, and just 22 per cent of women, admitting to breaking the law.
Gen Z again had the highest stats, with 36 per cent of 18-34 year olds stating they had driven at 80mph or above on the motorways. This dropped to 33 per cent in the 35-54 year old group, and just 19 per cent of over 55s.
Regionally there were some variations, with drivers from Manchester most likely to speed at 36 per cent, while drivers in Norwich were the least likely to have broken the limit, with just 20 per cent admitting to driving over 80mph.
The speed limit has not been modified for decades, despite huge improvements in modern vehicles and much reduced stopping distances. The current limit was set 58 years ago – while stopping distances have reduced by close to half. A typical car in 1967 would have had a total stopping distance of roughly 75-96 meters (246-315 feet) when braking from 70 mph, while for a modern mid-size SUV, it would likely be around 45-55 meters (approximately 148-180 feet). Beside this fact, seatbelts were also not mandatory until 1991.
Many other European countries also have higher limits than the UK. France has a limit of 80mph, while Germany has the famous autobahns, where there is no upper limit.
Controversially, a Freedom of Information request by ChooseMyCar.com to Thames Valley Police showed that 52.56 per cent of speeding offences over 70mph were between the 70-79 mph mark, and 42.47 per cent were between 80-89mph.
Nick Zapolski, founder of ChooseMyCar.com , said that the data suggests many Brits are ready for a speed limit review.
“Modern day cars have improved beyond comparison in the last 60 years – and yet the motorway limit has remained the same. This does seem ludicrous, and it seems many Brits are already driving beyond the limit anyway.
“Our research suggests that Brits are ready for a review of the limit, perhaps more in line with some of our European neighbours.”
Stephen
