‘Speed limits should be slashed’ according to government report

A review commissioned by the The Department for Transport suggests that the 60mph speed limit on country roads should be slashed – in an attempt to improve safety on Britain’s roads.

That’s not all. The report also points towards the introduction of more average speed cameras and a lower drink-driving limit, as part of sweeping recommendations which aim to improve safety on Britain’s roads.

The report specifically noted the dangers on single carriageways in the countryside – and suggests slashing the current 60mph speed limit, pointing to examples where councils have cut limits to 50mph or even 40mph.

The report also called on ministers to ‘promote the benefits of average speed cameras’. Statistics suggest that speed cameras have been shown to cut fatal and serious accidents by a third. Plus, reduction of the threshold for speeding prosecutions has also been suggested. Fines are generally only issued unless drivers are caught speeding by 10 per cent plus 2mph. Road tolls have also been suggested to improve Britain’s severe traffic problem.

British authorities are now working towards a two-year road safety plan, considering the review’s findings. Other recommendations made in the road safety management capacity review carried out by consultancy Systra, include reintroducing accident reduction targets.

A DfT spokesperson said: “The UK has some of the safest roads in the world but we are constantly looking to do more. We are considering the findings of the review.”