Temporary Speed Limit?

60 years ago, 22nd December 1965, Barbara Castle (the non-driving Transport Minister) introduced a ‘temporary’ 70MPH limit on British Motorways.

They were previously unrestricted, although plenty of cars struggled to reach 70MPH at the time.

To be fair, the reasoning was sensible.  There were lots of large crashes, especially in fog.

You won’t be surprised to discover that after a two year trial the limit was made permanent in 1967.

In 2026 they are now talking about a 50MPH limit and possible fuel rationing if oil supply restrictions continue.

I can’t imagine anything more infuriating.  Luckily I no longer travel 30k miles per year visiting customers as I did in a previous life.  But I still drive Newcastle to Birmingham monthly and really don’t enjoy my exposure to other drivers on the M1.

Lengthening every journey by 28.57% does not appeal to me at all.

And governments (of all hues – I’m not singling anyone out here) have a habit of turning the ‘occasional or ‘temporary’ into always and permanent.

Also, many more miles of our network is now equipped with ‘smart’ motorway gantries.  I have often seen speed limits triggered by spurious event and then everyone has to comply with a reduced speed limit with the threat of points for speeding for no reason at all.

I understand that the safety lobby will hail it a great idea.  But I had a quick look at the stats.

Motorways contribute 6% of deaths and 4% of injuries despite carrying 21% of all traffic.  Motorways are four times safer than urban roads.  It makes sense, there are no pedestrians on motorways.

Enforced compliance.

This approach fits with the electronics on your car that you can’t off permanently, and the speed limiters fitted on every new car since 2024.

Is this an idea being floated to see how vociferous the oppositions is?  If so let’s shout it from the rooftops.

I want the ability to choose and the ability to justify my reasoning.  Is that too much to ask for in 2026?

Bring on Peak cars without the electronics and drive on roads that are fun.

Thanks and have a great weekend,
Neil @ Carrosserie
Tel: 01833 630 011

PS. Contact us if we can help with your classic.