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Thousands back calls to reduce national speed limit on UK roads to 30mph
More than 4,000 people have backed the campaign, which says lower limits could improve safety on rural roads.
A petition on the Government website urges officials to reduce the national speed limit on rural single carriageways from 60mph to 30mph, with more than 4,000 signatures already collected toward a 10,000-signature goal by July 5.
Experts from BigWantsYourCar warn drivers that myths regarding safe speeds persist, explaining that "technically, you're liable for a fine the moment you go even 1mph over the limit."
Contrary to common belief, there is no universal "10% + 2mph" rule; the National Police Chiefs Council recommends a margin for officer discretion, but this is not a legal threshold and varies by area.
Drivers may be offered a speed awareness course as an alternative to a £100 fine if they were driving no more than 10 per cent, plus 9 mph over the limit, improving road safety behavior.
Safe Casualty Reduction Officer Gareth Thomas noted visibility is not legally required for enforcement, stating "Legally, we don't have to be visible," while emphasizing that education and deterrence—not punishment—drive the program's philosophy.