The UK government is facing increasing calls to raise the motorway speed limit from the current 70mph to 80mph, as a recent survey reveals significant public support for the change. Conducted by ChooseMyCar.com, the survey found that 43% of British drivers are in favor of increasing the limit, reflecting a shift in attitudes toward motorway speed regulations.
Despite this growing support, many local authorities and police forces have been moving in the opposite direction, implementing reduced speed zones in urban areas to enhance road safety. Smart motorways have also seen variable speed limits, sometimes lowering the maximum allowed speed during peak or hazardous conditions.
Proponents of raising motorway limits argue that modern vehicles are equipped with far better safety features than those from decades past, making higher speeds less risky. The survey underscored differences in opinion among demographics: 55% of men support the 80mph limit compared to 32% of women. The youngest drivers, aged 18-34, showed the strongest backing, with nearly 60% in favor, whereas only 30% of those over 55 agreed.
READ MORE: Adorable £8 Gingerbread Towels from Next Make a Cute Christmas Bathroom Addition
READ MORE: I Had a Christmas Dinner at Wetherspoons – But It Was Missing One Key Ingredient
Additionally, nearly a third of drivers admitted to already frequently exceeding 80mph on motorways, highlighting a disconnect between legal limits and driving behavior.
Nick Zapolski, founder of ChooseMyCar.com, commented on the findings: “Cars have evolved tremendously over the last 60 years, yet our motorway speed limit remains unchanged. This inconsistency seems outdated, especially when many drivers are already exceeding the limit. Our research indicates that the UK public is ready for a thoughtful review of motorway speed regulations, potentially aligning them with higher limits seen in parts of Europe.”
As the debate continues, balancing road safety with driver preferences remains a key challenge for policymakers.