Brian S
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Aug 15, 2015
- Messages
- 1,818
- Country Flag
15 Dec 1974
New speed limit to curb fuel use
British drivers must adhere to reduced speed limits from midnight tonight as the government tries to save fuel.
Speed limits on motorways will remain 70mph (112kph), but on dual carriageways they will become 60mph (96kph), and on all other roads 50mph (80kph).
Motorists could previously drive up to a limit of 70mph.
Anyone breaking the new restrictions will be reported, though not necessarily summoned.
The maximum penalty for speeding has been doubled to £100.
Publicity campaign
Police patrols in unmarked cars will be looking for drivers not observing the new restrictions and will also be using speed traps.
A major publicity campaign informing drivers of the new restrictions was launched last week and so road signs will not be changed.
Police expect the new speed restrictions to lead to a rise in the number of speeding offences but a fall in the number of road accidents.
The measures have been introduced indefinitely by Energy Secretary, Eric Varley, as part of a 12-point package of energy conservation measures aimed at saving £700m in imports annually.
Oil prices fluctuate
The Ministry of Transport said even a speed reduction of 5mph would save about £10m a year in fuel costs.
Mr Varley unveiled the package six days ago to the House of Commons as the landed price of imported oil is now five times higher than a year ago.
Prices rose after the Middle East oil embargo during the Arab-Israeli war last year.
The plan includes restrictions on heating levels and on the use of electricity for outdoor display and advertising.
There will also be loans to industry for energy-saving investment and a doubling of the standards of thermal insulation for new homes.
The strict controls on energy consumption will form the British way of life for the foreseeable future, he said.
Last November petrol ration coupons were introduced and in February 1972 a three-day working week was imposed on British industry to conserve power supplies due to the coal miners' strike.
New speed limit to curb fuel use
British drivers must adhere to reduced speed limits from midnight tonight as the government tries to save fuel.
Speed limits on motorways will remain 70mph (112kph), but on dual carriageways they will become 60mph (96kph), and on all other roads 50mph (80kph).
Motorists could previously drive up to a limit of 70mph.
Anyone breaking the new restrictions will be reported, though not necessarily summoned.
The maximum penalty for speeding has been doubled to £100.
Publicity campaign
Police patrols in unmarked cars will be looking for drivers not observing the new restrictions and will also be using speed traps.
A major publicity campaign informing drivers of the new restrictions was launched last week and so road signs will not be changed.
Police expect the new speed restrictions to lead to a rise in the number of speeding offences but a fall in the number of road accidents.
The measures have been introduced indefinitely by Energy Secretary, Eric Varley, as part of a 12-point package of energy conservation measures aimed at saving £700m in imports annually.
Oil prices fluctuate
The Ministry of Transport said even a speed reduction of 5mph would save about £10m a year in fuel costs.
Mr Varley unveiled the package six days ago to the House of Commons as the landed price of imported oil is now five times higher than a year ago.
Prices rose after the Middle East oil embargo during the Arab-Israeli war last year.
The plan includes restrictions on heating levels and on the use of electricity for outdoor display and advertising.
There will also be loans to industry for energy-saving investment and a doubling of the standards of thermal insulation for new homes.
The strict controls on energy consumption will form the British way of life for the foreseeable future, he said.
Last November petrol ration coupons were introduced and in February 1972 a three-day working week was imposed on British industry to conserve power supplies due to the coal miners' strike.
