This petition was submitted during the 2015–2017 Conservative government
Petition Raise the Speed limit on Motorways in the UK from 70mph to 90mph.
The 70mph speed limit on UK motorways was introduced in 1966. since then the technology and safety features of cars has come on considerably. it is now time to embrace this change and accept that it is safe for cars to drive at this speed. it will also help to reduce congestion on motorways.
This petition closed early because of a General Election Find out more on the Petitions Committee website
Government responded
This response was given on 23 March 2017
The Department for Transport has not carried out detailed investigations of the potential economic, safety and environmental impacts of raising the maximum speed limit on motorways to 90mph.
Read the response in full
We recognise that technology is moving on rapidly and that vehicles are much safer than when the current speed limit was first introduced. But any change to the speed limit would have to be based on a full and sound understanding of the wider safety, environmental and other impacts of such a change.
An initial assessment of the possibility of introducing trials of 80 mph limits was made in 2012-13 but we currently have no plans to do so.
The ability to set speed limits, including the national limits, in Scotland and Wales has been devolved to the Scottish Government and the Welsh Government. Northern Ireland is responsible for its own road traffic legislation.
Department for Transport