Speed limit in the UK could be raised to 80MPH

Transport secretary Grant Shapps has announced at the Conservatives party conference that the UK’s maximum speed limit could be increased from 70 to 80MPH.

He also announced speed limits in areas around schools could be reduced to 20MPH.

Speaking in Manchester, Shapps said: “On 80mph speed limits, I’ve been thinking about this issue and maybe even sought advice on the subject of late.”

“I think there is an argument for looking at our speed limits, both in terms of higher speed limits and actually lower limits – 20mph outside of schools.”

“When it was last looked at in 2011, reviewing the last submission to ministers on the subject, it was thought the carbon emission addition would be too great.”

“I think there is an argument that once you have increased the level of electrification and therefore decreased or entirely removed carbon, that you might look at those things again.”