Industry opinion divided over plans to raise speed limits
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By Chris Druce THE GOVERNMENT’S plan to raise the motorway speed limit for cars, motorcycles and vans in England and Wales to 80mph has split opinion over whether it will create safer or more dangerous roads.
Transport Secretary Philip Hammond announced plans to consult on raising the national motorway speed limit this week, which could see the limit raised by 2013.
The government argues modern vehicles are capable of travelling safely at higher speeds and the increased limit, which would be more vigorously enforced by police, would bring economic beneits in time saved. HGVs will continue to be limited at 56mph.
While road safety group Brake criticised the proposals, the Freight Transport Association (FTA) argues the increased limit could improve road safety despite the increased differential that will be in place between cars and lorries.
A spokesman says: “At 80mph they will be able to pass more eficiently, preventing accidents where cars run into the back of lorries. This will help keep trafic moving.” However, Maria Eagle MP, La bour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, said it would endanger motorists. “If ministers were serious about helping motorists then they should reverse the VAT hike on petrol,” she adds.
FairFuelUK spokesman Quentin Willson was also dismissive. “It would be more effective to introduce legislation [to improve road infrastructure] than this PR stunt.”