THE Government has suggested raising the speed limit to 80mph to bring motorists who exceed 70mph back within the law, to benefit the economy and to keep pace with the huge advances in motoring technology.
Neil Duckworth (Echo, October 8) has already explained why the move would increase pollution and petrol costs.
The most effective way to bring motorists within the law would be to put speed governors on all cars so that they cannot exceed 70mph.
Raising the speed limit to 80mph would simply mean that many motorists will drive at 90mph.
This would cause an increase in deaths.
An 80mph limit would only have a marginal effect on journey times and would not benefit the economy.
A journey from Southampton to Glasgow would take one hour less.
There have been advances in car technology over the past 46 years but in 1965 cars were capable of travelling at 80mph. The most popular car was the BMC 1100 which had a top speed of 87mph.
Cars have better brakes and safety features but these will be of little use to someone driving at 90mph and tailgating the car in front.
ROBIN BRASHER, High Street, Swanage
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