Nearly three-quarters of UK drivers would like to see the standard 70mph speed limit on motorways reduced in wet weather to improve road safety and encourage better driving habits, according to an RAC study.
Of 2,100 drivers surveyed, a third (33 percent) said the limit should be reduced to 60mph in the wet, while 7 percent think it should be cut to 65mph. Seventeen percent of drivers would like an even lower limit of 55mph or even 50mph, while 14 percent would like to see the limit cut but are not sure by how much.
Of the reasons given by drivers who advocate lower motorway speed limits in the wet, 78 percent said they felt lower limits would encourage some drivers to slow down, while 72 percent believed it might save lives.
“Statistically, the UK has some of the safest motorways in Europe but it’s also the case that there hasn’t been a reduction in casualties of all severities on these roads since 2012, so perhaps there’s an argument for looking at different measures to help bring the number of casualties down,” said RAC data insight spokesman Rod Dennis.
“Overall, our research suggests drivers are broadly supportive of lower motorway speed limits in wet conditions, as is already the case across the Channel in France.”
