Plan put forward for 'ridiculous' new speed limit on motorways in England

A thinktank has urged the Labour Party government to lower speeds to 20mph in urban areas and 60mph on motorways. This would combat rising fuel prices due to the conflict and reduce demand, according to the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR). But experts have slammed the advice as “ridiculous and unnecessary”. Scott Dixon, a motoring disputes expert, said: “Soaring fuel prices are actually reducing fuel demand and speeds on motorways as hard-pressed motorists are looking to save money wherever possible.” William Ellis, a senior economist at the IPPR, said: “The UK cannot afford to sit back and let another energy shock drive up inflation and damage the economy. The UK economy and public finances are expected to take a significant hit from the Iran conflict, regardless of whether the government intervenes.” The IPPR said: “There are clear inflation benefits to reducing the cost of fuel. But if you do that alone, you remove the incentive to use less of it. Drivers who have changed behaviour and economised because of recent higher prices would simply go back to driving as before. So the question is how else can you send a clear signal to save fuel – given that there is simply not enough fuel available on the international market for everyone to drive as fast as they want. Motorists get more miles to the gallon at lower speeds. Reducing speed limits saves drivers money, and reduces the risk of inflation.”