A leading expert has caused further controversy by suggesting that current speed limits should be adjusted to reflect certain road circumstances.
Paul Myles, motoring correspondent for the Sunday People has never been known for shirking controversy and his latest column on Sunday is no exception. Perhaps the most controversial view he aired was that British motorways should follow the German autobahn example and effectively be speed limit-less. Myles, however, is not your atypical motoring journalist, campaigning for less car use and lower emissions.
According to Myles, a recent survey of European motorists rated German drivers as the best in Europe, because they tailored their speed to suit the circumstances of the road. Statistically, German drivers are also rated amongst the safest. For instance, in heavily pedestrianised, built-up areas, German drivers automatically slow to more suitable speeds, whilst there is no need for such caution on the autobahns. Myles believes that areas with schools should have a speed limit of 20mph.
Statistics at least partially back up Myles views, with motorways statistically the safest of our roads – urban main roads account for over half of road traffic accidents, whilst for motorways, the figure is less than ten percent.
Myles argues that, by adopting these measures, the number of accidents will reduce on those statistically-bad urban roads and drivers will become more aware on motorways, make more appropriate use of lanes and become less frustrated with other drivers.
It will be interesting to see the reaction amongst interested parties and it’s clear that there may at least be some merit in the views based on the successful German model.
