80mph looks set to be the new national speed limit on our motorways. Current government proposals look set to be passed to implement the move possibly within the next couple of years, although there is a certain degree of opposition to the proposal from road safety campaigners .
Obviously if the law is passed it will be a boon to businesses and private individuals alike, but green groups are also opposing the move saying that it will reduce fuel efficiency and increase harmful greenhouse gasses.
The 70mph limit has been in place for a number of decades now and is increasingly looking out of place in the modern world and the rest of Europe. Our vehicles nowadays are much safer and are certainly capable of travelling safely at 80mph, although it is worth bearing in mind that the USA has much lower speed limits than 80mph.
Current Speed Limits for cars in the UK.
Built up areas - 30mph
Single carriageways - 60mph
Dual Carriageway - 70mph
Motorways - 70mph
These speed limits apply unless sign posted otherwise.
Speed and speeding has long been an issue in the UK with the abundance of speed cameras and other speed detection devices such as radar guns there are many saying that a rise in the speed limit is a counter productive move but modern cars are safer than ever and to many, 80mph on a motorway does not seem excessive.
There has also been a growth in tandem with the rise of speed cameras or safety cameras as we are supposed to call them, that of speed camera detection systems by companies such as Snooper and Road Angel. These alert the user in advance to the presence of a speed camera safety camera or a mobile speed trap such as mobile laser guns or mobile laser vans, ans also warn of notorious accident blackspots.
It is expected that the new limit of 80mph will be strictly enforced at least initially. So if you haven't got a speed warning/camera warning device then now might be a good time to invest. The snooper my speed aura is a particular favourite of ours. It not only warns of upcoming speed traps but it also keeps an eye on you current speed and gives a brief warning if you stray above the current speed limit certain models of sat nav devices also offer the same function.
There are valid arguments for and against the proposed new limit and it will not be universally applied across all motorways. It will be implemented selectively and it's impact assessed.
Motoring groups have given a tentative welcome to the proposed 80mph limit and business and haulage groups are welcoming it wholeheartedly.
Among private motorists a survey by the institute of advanced motorists found that two thirds would welcome the proposed new limit of 80mph. With a high majority saying that they would be more inclined to stick to the new limit if it were introduced.
Statistics show that motorways are the safest roads to drive on in the UK but the 70mph speed limit has now been in place for some 50 years so it could be argued that a change is long overdue.
By way of a counter balance it should be recognised that the same set of legislation proposes reducing the speed limits in many urban areas.
Questions and answers about speed cameras ?
Q. I think I may have been caught by a speed camera. What happens next ?
A. The police have 14 days to inform you of their intention to prosecute. So basically if you don't hear anything within 14 days you are in the clear. Trust me it will seem like an eternity.
Q. How much leeway is allowed for a motoring speed offence ?
A. The lagal position is that if you are travelling at 31mph in a 30mph zone then you are speeding but in practice police forces to tend to allow a reasonable degree of latitude. It varies from region to region but in general you would be allowed 10 per cent plus 2mph. So in a 30mph zone you would probably not get a speeding fine for 34mph but you very well might for 35mph.
Q. Can I see the photo from the speed camera ?
A. The police do not seem to like to make their evidence available so it would be difficult to get hold of. Although it must be made available to the defence if procedings ever reached a coutroom.
Q. Do I need a speed camera detector ?
A. A speed camera detector is a useful device to have not only to keep you safe from speed cameras but also to keep you mindful of your speed at all times. It is very easy to stray over the speed limit without noticing and a speed camera early warning system might just save your life as well as your license.
Q. What are the penalties direct and indirect for a speeding offence ?
A. You will receive points on your license, the number will depend on the nature and severity of the offense. You will also receive a fine and in addition your insurance premiums will rise. So it's bad news all round.
The most common types of speed camera
Gatso
The most familiar type of yellow box speed camera
Truvello
A forward facing speed camera
Specs
A speed camera system which calculates your average speed over a measured distance
The most popular makes of speed camera detection (safety camera detection) systems
