Government reveal plans to increase motorway speeds

In recent news, the Government announced it would like to increase the speed limit on motorways in England and Wales from 70 to 80 mph. It argues that it is sensible because motorists are already driving over 70 mph and it could cut journey times.

Transport Secretary Phillip Hammond said the current limit introduced in the 1960s "was out of date", but green campaigners say it will harm the environment and cause more deaths on the road.

According to the Good Garage Scheme’s website, staying at or within the speed limit not only increases driver safety but also reduces CO2 emissions and saves money on fuel costs.

At 70 mph motorists could be using up to 9% more fuel than at 60 mph and up to 15% more fuel than at 50 mph. Driving faster may make the journey time quicker but could cost more in both fuel and the increased cost of policing the motorways.

The new ruling wouldn’t be implemented until 2013 at the earliest - provided it gets the go-ahead, but there is a lot to debate in the meantime.

For more fuel saving tips, visit http://www.goodgaragescheme.co.uk/driving