Increasing speed limits could have a huge impact on road safety, according to one expert, who told GB News that any changes to limits should be done with driver’s in mind.
There have long been calls for the Government to increase speed limits across the UK to help drivers get to their destination at a faster pace and to improve traffic issues.
John Kushnick, Legal Operations Director at National Accident Helpline, spoke to GB News about the possibility of raising speed limits on motorways and dual carriageways.
A handful of backers have spoken of the benefits that would come from raising the speed limits on motorways, including Sir Bill Wiggin MP.
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More than 5,000 people have supported the petition to increase speed limits
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The Conservative Member of Parliament for North Herefordshire said increasing speed limits would lead to people getting to work faster and boosting productivity.
He suggested that the M50 – which runs through his constituency – could be used as a trial site for the higher speed limits, although he did not give any suggestions of what the new limits should be.
Previous suggestions have called for limits on motorways to rise to 80mph or even 90mph, as drivers point to the German “Autobahn” system as a case for change.
On the German motorway system, there are de-restricted sections of road where there is technically no speed limit, although lawmakers recommend sticking to a maximum speed of 80mph.
Kushnick said: “Increasing speed limits on motorways and dual carriageways raises significant concerns regarding road safety.
“While superficial, it offers an opportunity to improve productivity and efficiency for some, it also heightens the risk of accidents and fatalities which, in reality, will reduce any such gains.
“Higher speeds lead to slower reaction times and increased severity of collisions.”
He also highlighted how it could make congestion worse if more accidents occur, causing long tailbacks of drivers stuck in traffic.
This would also result in rates of air pollution getting worse as drivers are forced to wait in traffic because of the higher limits.
A petition launched on the Parliament website is calling on the Government to hike speed limits to 100mph on motorways and 80mph on dual carriageways, with almost 6,000 people supporting the measures.
The creator of the petition, Elouise Marie Auld, said faster speed limits would “enhance the reliability of supply chains and logistics”, as well as improving the flow of traffic.
She suggested that improvements in vehicle technology would minimise the risks of going faster with safety features protecting motorists and road users from serious harm.
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One MP called for higher speed limits to be tested on the M50
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Kushnick concluded, saying: “Instead of focusing solely on speed, investing in infrastructure improvements, public transportation, and promoting safer driving habits would be more beneficial for overall road safety and efficiency.
“Any adjustments to speed limits must prioritise the well-being of all road users and consider the broader impact on society.”
