Welcome for common-sense approach to speed limits
RAC has welcomed the Government’s announcement that it is to launch a public consultation on lower speed limits for rural and urban roads.
New Department for Transport plans will consider reducing speed limits on some country roads to 40mph and the introduction of more 20mph zones on urban roads.
David Bizely, RAC technical director, said: “Most drivers are happy with current limits but there is also broad support for lower limits where there is a proven benefit for road safety such as near schools and accident black spots.”
The RAC Report on Motoring 2012, which surveys more than 1,000 drivers and is in its 24th year, found that two-thirds of motorists (70% rural and 63% urban drivers) support different speed limits on similar classes of road dependent on suitability.
“It is an issue of balance between mobility and safety. There is definitely a case for lower limits on some dangerous roads and rural roads with hazardous bends and junctions, but we would challenge a blanket reduction on all country roads. It is wholly appropriate that local authorities should be encouraged to deal with such roads on an individual basis looking at local road conditions,” said Bizley.
“Like the 80mph limit for some stretches of motorway – which has strong support from motorists (62%) – it makes sense to trial these new speed limits and assess their merits based on the circumstances of specific roads.”
However, the Report on Motoring also discovered that 37% of drivers admit to speeding in 50/60mph zones, 46% admit to speeding in 30mph and 36% admit to speeding in 20mph zones.
“Clearly there is an argument that in most cases we have appropriate speed limits but there is a concern around the effective enforcement of these limits. And we would also encourage the Government to re-think their policy on their spending levels on road safety campaigns which have been cut from £18 million to just £2 million,” said Bizley.
RAC also revealed there are growing concerns among motorists regarding the behaviour of other drivers. Three of the top five concerns held by motorists are now about the behaviour of other drivers – and they are particularly alarmed by the growing use of mobile phones and social media.
