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Originally Posted by me283
100% with you on that one Ian. But what I am saying is that all limits should be reviewed. For example, say 15mph outside schools seems fair to me. But is 70mph on the motorway a reasonable limit? And if you drive on the M25 and the variable speed limit goes from 70mph to 40mph then to 50mph and back to 40mph and finally back to 70mph, all for no apparent reason, one has to ask why those speed limits are in place?
As an aside, I have driven extensively in parts of Europe where the motorway limits are higher than ours and there are no speed cameras. I saw no accidents, no traffic jams, and much better roads too. Is there a lesson to be learnt here?
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The 70 mph national speed limit was brought in as a temporary measure in the 60s to see what the impact on accident statistics was. The test resulted in a lowering of the number of accidents and fatalities and less severe injuries. Two years after this temporary measure it was decided to keep it as a mandatory national speed limit.
The speed limits displayed on motorway signals are only advisory unless the speed is displayed within a red ring. There has been a reason for these to be displayed which may no longer exist when you go through the area. Whilst the speed limits may only be advisory, failure to comply with them will be taken into account if a prosecution results for whatever reason within the area that they cover.