Hundreds of motorists are calling on the Government to introduce higher speed limits for motorways and dual carriageways in a bid to reduce congestion
A petition to raise the speed limits on motorways to 100mph has gained support by drivers who have argued the nearly 60 year old rules need changing.
The petition also called for dual carriageways to increase their speed limits to 80mph.
It was originally launched in January, with the petition calling on the Government to increase speed limits being backed by hundreds of motorists.
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The petition has received hundreds of signatures
PA
Elouise Marie Auld, who started the petition, said: “We think the current speed limit is too restrictive.
“The 70mph speed limit is 58 years old. Some modern vehicles have advanced safety features and faster stopping speeds. Faster travel could enhance reliability of supply chains and logistics.
“Adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance systems can enhance safety. We believe a speed limit increase will improve traffic flow, reducing congestion.”
Despite receiving support from some members of the public, the petition saw other motorists make fun of the petition.
Taking the petition to social media, one user said: “How do u think your car is stopping at 100mph? (three laughing face emojis).”
Another person joked that their car “wouldn’t even reach 100mph”, making the higher speed limits redundant for them.
Data from Avon and Somerset Police found that 450 speeding tickets were issued to motorists who breached the speed limits by driving between 90mph and 100mph on motorways last year.
The driver who hit the highest speed and hit with a ticket was someone travelling almost 90mph above the speed limit at 159mph on a busy motorway.
According to Northumbria Police, almost 42,000 speeding offences were recorded last year with drivers breaching the limits.
The minimum penalty for speeding is a £100 fine and three penalty points added to a driver’s licence, yet motorists are still willing to risk it on major motorways.
Drivers can be fined more and get more penalty points if the court decides they are guilty of speeding. It can be as much as £1,000 or £2,500 if the driver is on a motorway.
The petition closes on June 13 2024, if it reaches 10,000 signatures, it will prompt the Government to respond.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
The creator of the petition believes a speed limit change could help reduce congestion
PARLIAMENT PETITIONS
At 100,000 signatures, the matter will be taken to the House of Commons to be considered for a debate among MPs.
