Millions of drivers could support new rule changes to increase the speed limit on motorways to 80mph, according to new research.
Data shows that 43 per cent of British drivers think the motorway speed limit should be hiked from 70mph to 80mph.
The 70mph speed limit was originally introduced as a trial in 1965, but confirmed in 1967 after it led to a drop in the number of accidents along the M1.
Data shows that the average stopping distance of a vehicle 58 years ago was as much as 96 metres when braking at 70mph, compared to around 55 metres for a modern SUV.
The data found that men were more likely to support higher speed limits than women, with 34 per cent of men admitting to occasionally going above the 70mph limit.
Younger motorists were also more in favour of the new measures, with 36 per cent supporting the measures, compared to just 19 per cent of over-55s backing the plans.
Nick Zapolski, founder of ChooseMyCar.com, which commissioned the research, said the data showed how many Britons were ready for new speed limits.
He said: “Modern-day cars have improved beyond comparison in the last 60 years – and yet the motorway limit has remained the same.
More than two-fifths of motorists are in favour of raising the national speed limit
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PA
“This does seem ludicrous, and it seems many Brits are already driving beyond the limit anyway.
“Our research suggests that Brits are ready for a review of the limit, perhaps more in line with some of our European neighbours.”
The national speed limit on motorways in France is 80mph, while Germany’s legendary Autobahns do not have a maximum speed limit.
Certain sections of the motorway do have a cap on speed, with a driver recently being on the receiving end of a fine after travelling at 199mph near Burg in Saxony-Anhalt.
In 2021, a Bugatti driver was clocked at 259mph on the A2 near Magdeburg, and allegedly took his hands off the wheel, although the case was dropped due to a lack of evidence.
Last year, a petition garnered almost 43,000 signatures calling for the speed limit on motorways to be increased to 100mph, and dual carriageways to see a limit of 80mph.
It claimed that the new limits would suit modern vehicles since they have advanced driver assistance features and faster stopping speeds.
The petition also stated that a national speed limit increase would improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and enhance the reliability of supply chains.
Experts have suggested that the UK could follow in the footsteps of European nations to have higher motorway speed limits
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PAThe proposals were rejected by the Government, who stated that it had no plans to undertake an assessment on the basis of traffic flow or other factors.
While it acknowledged that vehicle technology is constantly improving, but it would be difficult to balance the road safety impact and economic benefits.
The Department for Transport added: “Speed limits are set to achieve a balance between a transport system that is an engine for economic growth but one that is also greener and safer and improves the quality of life in our communities.
“The safety of road users is our priority, and any change to speed limits would be evidence-led, looking at the impact on safety, air quality and carbon emissions as well as traffic flow and other road conditions.”