Rupert Lowe, the MP for Great Yarmouth, has said that if Restore Britain were to form the next government, it would introduce an 80mph speed limit on Britain's motorways. In a tweet posted on Tuesday, August 18, he insisted the increase would "back business, trust drivers and get Britain moving".
Proposal and Reactions
The current 70mph limit has been in place for almost 60 years. This is not the first time a politician has suggested an increase. Grant Shapps told supporters in 2019 that he was exploring the idea. Bernard Jenkin floated the idea in 2001, and Philip Hammond said he would consult on a rise in 2011.
Arguments For and Against
Supporters of increasing the limit to 80mph argue that vehicles on motorways are capable of reaching such a speed and already do. They point to mainland Europe, where speed limits can be as high as 75mph or even 80mph on certain roads.
However, some critics say an increase would increase the severity of crashes and casualties on Britain's roads. Road safety experts point out that the distance needed to stop while travelling at 80mph is longer than at 70mph.
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