Skip to main content
Legal news

Report casts doubt on motorway speed limit rise

Jonathan Winston Jonathan Winston
2 min read

A new report has put into doubt the government’s proposed plans to raise the motorway speed limit.

Consultations are due to take place regarding the possibility of having the speed limit raised, from 70mph to 80, but the report, from the Road Safety Foundation (RSF), says that the network at the present time is not able to cope with the changes. It says that there would be a greater risk of shunt crashes, while the impact of many collisions would be greater through the increased speed the vehicles would probably be travelling.

The RSF says that while it accepts that the majority of drivers do not stick to the 70mph limit and that many motorists already drive at 80 when they can, the economy would not benefit noticeably from such a change and only would if more focus was placed on repairing the motorways than concentrating on speed. RSF director Joanne Marden said that while cars gave greater protection for their passengers, motorways don’t, with a particular weakness being in run-off protection.

The proposals for a rise in the speed limit first came to light last year and the road minister Mike Penning said that the Department for Transport is looking into the economic, safety and environmental impact of raising the limit. He added that this work was on-going and that no decisions had yet been taken on which sections of motorway would be affected in any proposed trial.

Client feedback

Very helpful and promptly anwsers emails as soon as.
Anonymous
Many of my family members have used Winstons Solicitors for their conyancing, over many years. I too have now used them and they did not disappoint. Samantha Robertson-Strong and Paulo Dos Santos were my main persons of contact. They were highly professional and very thorough, whilst maintaining an air of friendliness and approachability throughout. I cannot recommend them highly enough!
Mr T
Monika is extremely trustworthy, professional and experienced. Have very much felt in safe hands during a very difficult and stressful time of my life. Would highly recommend.
Zoe
Good Solicitors, helped couple times. Nice comunicion and people
Tadas
My son recently purchased a property. I had used Winston Solicitors for many years and had no hesitation in recommending them to him. Their service is outstanding; very professional yet friendly and approachable. Samantha is awesome. She always does a thorough job. Paulo, her assistant, has been an absolute pleasure to deal with as well. So a huge thumbs up and many thanks all around! - October 2025
J Thompson, Manchester
This was a stressful (and as it was a property purchase caused by divorce), very emotional. Samantha and Paulo were always very kind and patient. - October 2025
Dawn B, London
I recently used Winston Solicitors for the purchase of my first home and was extremely impressed with the service. My solicitor, Leasa, along with her assistant, Julie, were outstanding throughout the process—thorough, accommodating, and always patient in explaining each step clearly. They made what could have been a stressful experience feel smooth and manageable, always going above and beyond to support me. I truly appreciated their professionalism and personal approach, and I would not hesitate to recommend Winston Solicitors to anyone - I cannot thank you all enough. - September 2025
A Woods, Ryton
Professional & thorough throughout conveyancing process. Efficient communication & timely updates from Amr & Joe. Would not hesitate to use their services again. Highly recommend. - September 2025 
Elizabeth M, Leeds
Contact Jonathan