The proportion of major roads with a 70mph speed limit has declined from 83 percent in 2020 down to 78 percent in 2023. Many local authorities are cutting speed limits to meet air pollution targets which have been set out to meet net zero aims for 2050.
The research found that 15 percent of roads managed by National Highways now have a 60 percent speed limit, an increase of nine percent in 2020.
With these reduced speed limits, across the UK, there are now 1,694 miles of major roads with a 60mph speed limit.
This is a 905-mile increase from 2020, when there were only 925 miles of major roads with lower speed limits.
The longest single stretches of 60mph speed limits are along the A1, M11, A52 and M20.
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Nicholas Mantel, Head of Churchill motor insurance, commented on the speed limit changes and how they will affect motorists on the road.
He said: “Our research shows 60mph speed limits are becoming more common on motorways, so it is important drivers check the signage on each stretch of road or they could risk unexpected fines.
“Many drivers will be surprised to learn that major A-roads across the UK have speed limits as low as 30mph, with controls in place for local safety reasons such as near schools.
“With variable speed limits, changes in permanent limits and temporary road control drivers can’t always rely on phone apps and in-car navigation to identify the speed for the road.”
The biggest change in speed limits has been to roads which are now 60mph, growing from nine percent in 2020 to 15 percent in 2023.
National Highways has introduced more 60mph speed limits along sections of motorways to reduce emissions and improve air quality.
There is an expectation that nitrogen oxide levels will drop thanks to the reduced traffic speeds, with provisional data suggesting a 17 percent cut.
More rural areas are introducing slower 20mph speed limits to slash the rate of pollution and make roads safer in non-urban areas.
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The Welsh Government announced last year that it would be introducing a default 20mph speed limit on restricted roads across the country, from September 17.
Restricted roads are usually located in residential and built-up areas where there are lots of people, often with street lights, placed no more than 200 yards apart.
This is being done to reduce the number of collisions and severe injuries as well as encouraging more people to walk and cycle in our communities.
Lee Walters, Deputy Minister for Climate Change and MS for Llanelli, spoke out about the changes and dismissed claims that it would make roads more dangerous.
He said: “The idea that being a minute later to get to school harms the economy, I just don’t believe it.
“So I think the figures are discredited in my view and there’s a movement to change that. Also it’s going to save lives – we know it’s going to save lives,” the BBC reported.
The police will continue to enforce 20mph, like any other speed limit, to keep roads safe, as well as educate motorists on the new rules.
It is hoped these new rules will change driver behaviour and ensure motorists are safer when driving. There is also the potential for traffic to flow more smoothly.
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