Calls are growing for the UK government to reduce all speed limits by 10mph as a response to soaring fuel costs exacerbated by the ongoing Iran conflict. Environmental group Transport and Environment (T&E) has outlined five key policy changes the Labour Party government could implement to ease the financial strain on households.
With the Iran war entering its third month, T&E emphasizes immediate, practical solutions to cut fuel consumption. Among its recommendations are lowering motorway speed limits by at least 10 km/h on major routes and encouraging flexible working arrangements, including up to three additional remote working days per week, which could reduce individual driver fuel bills by as much as 20%.
Beyond speed limit adjustments and remote work, T&E calls for increased investment in public transport to strengthen energy security and lessen reliance on oil. The group also urges government-led public guidance on eco-driving techniques, regular tyre pressure maintenance, and car-sharing initiatives to complement emergency communications about fuel price hikes.
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Crucially, T&E stresses that these short-term measures should run alongside a long-term push to accelerate electric vehicle adoption. Transitioning to electric cars is seen as the only sustainable way to shield drivers permanently from volatile oil markets and future energy crises.
Daniel Quiggin, Senior Policy Advisor for Energy and Climate at T&E, explains: “The International Energy Agency’s emergency recommendations provide practical, cost-effective options for governments to help reduce fuel consumption immediately and alleviate household bills. While these demand-side actions can provide quick relief, the fundamental solution lies in transitioning to electric vehicles, which remove drivers' exposure to oil market shocks.”
T&E’s proposals draw upon the International Energy Agency’s 10-point transport demand reduction plan, focusing on measures feasible for EU drivers and adapting them to UK needs. Governments are urged to act swiftly on these strategies to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices on UK households.