Half of UK motorists speed on motorways

According to Auto Express, half of car drivers in the UK regularly speed on motorways and this figure is increasing year on year.

Statistics from the Department of Transport show that whilst motorists are more careful with their speed in built up areas, when let loose on the open motorway they drive faster than the 70 mph speed limit. Of those that speed on UK motorways, 84 per cent say that they don't break the 80 mph barrier, with 16 per cent admitting they drive over 10 mph above the speed limit.

With car buyers purchasing models with the latest safety features, motoring commentators have urged the government to reconsider the ''outdated'' motorway speed limit, increasing it to 80 mph in line with European motorway speed limits of 130 km/h or 81 mph.

Auto Express reports that the number of people killed on the UK's roads is reducing and question the reasoning behind the current speed limit, saying: ''Why are the authorities persisting with the outdated 70 mph limit... Isn't it time to stop branding otherwise law abiding people criminals and admit that the speed limit should be 80 mph?''

Nevertheless, a change of the law to 80 mph needs to be effectively managed according to The Daily Mail, who cite the RAC as saying that 80 mph is an acceptable speed as long as drivers keep a good distance between them and the car in front.

Dylan Lloyd, Wimbledon, Ford Fusion

Diane Bellanca, Accrington, Toyota Auris TR VVT-I