Should we change the speed limit on UK motorways to 80mph?

Modern cars are far safer than those from when the 70mph limit was set, but some argue fast roads still need firm regulation.

Transcript

00:00Nick Sapolsky, founder of ChooseMyCar.com, says modern cars have changed dramatically

00:07since the 1960s, yet the motorway speed limit has stayed the same. He says this feels ludicrous

00:13to many drivers, especially as a significant number already travel beyond 70. He believes

00:18the figures show the public may now be ready for a full review, potentially bringing Britain

00:23closer to limits seen in parts of Europe.

00:25The figures also reveal how often drivers exceed the current cap. ChooseMyCar obtained

00:30data from Thames Valley Police showing that over half of speeding offences above 70mph fell

00:35between 70 and 79, while 42% were between 80 and 89. The company argues this adds weight

00:43to the case for examining whether the limit still reflects modern driving. Others will

00:47point out that any review would need to balance safety, enforcement and the reality that not

00:52all roads or vehicles perform the same. For now, the discussion continues.