What will happen if the speed limit is increased?
Vehicles travelling at 80mph take longer to stop and will hit harder if involved in a collision. An increased speed limit would also mean an increased differential between the speed of trucks and coaches (limited to 56mph and 60mph respectively) and other traffic, affecting ‘flow’. An increased speed limit may also mean an increased differential between the fastest drivers and the most cautious drivers. This may also contribute to ‘bunching’ and unnecessary congestion. It may also contribute to drivers driving too close to one another. It is vital, particularly on such fast roads, to keep at least a two second gap between vehicles, four seconds in wet weather and 10 seconds in icy conditions. It has been argued that drivers deserve higher speed limits on motorways as a ‘sweetner’ for slower 20mph limits in towns.
