DfT describes 80mph motorway limit as ‘speculation’

The DfT has described reports that the speed limit on motorways will be raised to 80mph to shorten journey times and boost the economy as “speculation”, reports the Press Association.

According to a report in the Daily Mail, a review of road safety is expected to conclude that the increase from the current 70mph limit should be made official. The paper says there is "broad agreement" within the coalition Government and civil servants, with the only question being the timing of the announcement.

The Daily Mail says that an 80mph limit would be more strictly enforced, to prevent the usual speed rising to 90mph, and that there would also be more 20mph zones in residential areas.

A DfT spokesman described the report as ‘speculation’, saying: “We need to make sure that we are looking at the right criteria when considering what level speed limits should be set at. This means looking at the economic benefits of shorter journey times as well as considering other implications such as road safety and carbon emissions.

“Any proposal to change national speed limits would be subject to full public consultation.”

Click here to read the full Press Association report, or click here to read the full Daily Mail report.