Bedford Driving Lessons

Ministers are considering extending the proposed higher limit to a far wider range or roads than had previously been thought. A formal consultation on allowing motorists to drive at 80mph on motorways is due to be launched early in the New Year. Proposals to increase the national 70mph limit on limit on other trunk roads emerged in the Department for Transport’s proposals to cut red tape. “We have announced our intention to consult about changing the national speed limit on motorways from 70mph to 80mph,” the DfT said in the document. “We are also examining whether an 80mph should be extended on a case by case basis to some other dual carriageways.” The original proposal to push up the speed limit was put forward by Philip Hammond, the former Transport Secretary. Supporters of raising the limit believe that it would aid the economy and also reflect advances in car safety technology in recent decades. But the plans are understood to have divided ministers, with Chris Huhne, the Energy Secretary, opposing the plans because it would lead to an increase in carbon emissions. Road safety groups have also voiced concern especially with existing police guidelines allowing motorists a measure of leeway under the “10 per cent plus 2mph” formula. If applied to an 80mph limit, this would mean drivers would be unlikely to face prosecution at speeds lower than 90mph.  More