The survey also revealed that opinion about using blanket 20mph limits in built-up areas or at inappropriate sites is less popular. Drivers also believed that lower speed limits should be enforced through the use of signage only and passive measures such as speed humps and safety cameras should be low down on policing priorities.

It is hoped the changes will allow local councils to react quicker to the needs of local residents whilst also keeping costs low. There will still be a requirement to indicate the start and end of 20mph limits but painted road signs can be used as repeaters. Other allowed measures that can be introduced without Government approval include Single lane variable speed limits, an expanded list of allowed traffic calming measures to be allowed in 20mph limits, including mini-roundabouts and variable speed limit flashing warning lights.

The survey, conducted by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), asked 2,000 respondents, a mixture of drivers and riders, whether they think the motorway speed limit should be increased. 60% said they would be more likely to stick to an 80mph limit and that they already exceed the speed limit when traffic is free-flowing. The IAM say that increasing speed limits is “a controversial subject” and they would want to see a trial first to review its impact on driver habits.

In addition to visual and audible alerts, it will actually calculate the likely fine and how many points you will get. There is a threshold that can be set to warn the driver when they are approaching the limit, or when a few miles per hour over the limit.

The scheme run by the council will provide drivers with the opportunity to air their views on proposed speed limit changes via illuminated road signs. So far the majority of the respondents have been motorists. Public consultation is always required with regards to changes to road speed limits and most of the time residents support the change whilst the first time drivers hear about the new limit is when it is place.

Currently there is confusion as to what the speed limit should be for large vehicles which is further compounded by newer vehicles being fitted with speed limiters. Newer heavy goods vehicles that have a speed limiter fitted are restricted to 56mph, while passenger vehicles with more than 8 seats are restricted to 62.5mph. Vehicles of these types that are older and do not have automatic speed limiters fitted can drive up to 70mph and in the right hand lane of a motorway. The proposals are to set the limit to 65mph for any passenger vehicle with more than 8 seats and to 60mph for HGV vehicles. In addition HGV between 3.5 tonnes and 7.5 tonnes and any passenger vehicle with more than 8 seats will be prohibited from using the fast lane on motorways.

The proposals follow trials in Portsmouth of 20mph limits where there was a significant reduction in road traffic accidents. Previously councils would have had to provide traffic calming measures such as speed humps or chicanes in 20mph ‘zones’ but where this is impractical councils now have the opportunity to reduce the limit with less inconvenience to residents. The British Medical Journal released a report confirming that the lower speed does reduce the number of accidents and called for more 20mph limits to be put in place. The government is also asking councils to review rural road speed limits in an effort to reduce causalities on single carriageway A & B roads.

The new zones will include areas in the south and east of the city. Standard street signage and road markings indicating the new limit will be put in place but there are no plans for speed cameras or other traffic calming devices such as chicanes or speed bumps.  An original consultation with highways officers and Police indicated that there were only to be a handful of streets included in the limit, these proposals were rejected by the city’s transport councillor in favour of residents pressure to include other streets.

Local authorities (county, district and borough councils) have final responsibility for setting speed limits from 20mph to 70mph on roads that fall within their control, based on local considerations such as accident history, road conditions, how much traffic uses the roads and what sort of traffic makes up that usage. The government only advises these authorities as to the appropriate limit.