Wrong to raise speed limit on A38, says MP
AN MP says he would strongly oppose any proposal to raise the speed limit on the A38 to 80mph.South West Devon Conservative MP Gary Streeter was speaking out after it emerged that Government ministers are considering raising the 70mph limit on some dual carriageways as well as on motorways.
Mr Streeter told The Herald: "Raising the speed limit on the A38 would be utterly wrong – and in some cases there are arguments for reducing it.
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Gary Streeter
"The A38 is a very fast and dangerous road, with twisty sections, hills and numerous junctions; it's not like a flat motorway with a junction every 20 miles."
A formal consultation on allowing motorists to drive at 80mph on motorways is due to begin early in the New Year.
But a Department for Transport document says: "We are also examining whether an 80mph limit should be extended on a case-by-case basis to some other dual carriageways."
Supporters of the idea say it would aid the economy and reflect advances in car safety technology.
Opponents say it will result in some drivers doing 90mph with little fear of prosecution and would lead to an increase in air pollution.
Mr Streeter added: "My concerns are more about safety than carbon emissions; it's what that little old lady does pulling out of a junction at 40mph."
AA president Edmund King said: "Eighty miles per hour on a five-star motorway, in a five-star car with a five-star driver in good weather is probably a safe speed.
"However, 80mph on some lower-standard stretches of motorway and dual-carriageway is probably not a safe speed.
"We need to ensure that adequate enforcement and highway safety standards are in place before contemplating increasing speed limits."
59 Comments
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by PCCwatcher
Thursday, December 22 2011, 10:53PM
“unless I break the speed limit, how can I get to Exeter airport in 40 minutes like ColVile says I can?”
by mcspredder
Thursday, December 22 2011, 8:12PM
“@shankenstein
Wouldn't jesus just rub his hand over the dent and heal it?”
by Thugpug
Thursday, December 22 2011, 6:17PM
“Biker 123 I completely agree with you. Some people think that speed limits are merely a suggestion!!!! It's the arrogant people who think they are fab drivers & fully in control of your vehicle at high speed. These are the people who don't feel they have anything left to learn. These are the people we are most at risk from.
When I was very young I lived in N. Ireland. When you pass your test there you have to display an 'R' Plate for 12 months. You are not allowed to exceed certain speeds and you are not allowed to drive on motorways until you've been driving for 12 months. This allows people to develop road sense and gain experience. I believe you only really learn to drive when you pass your test.
I am insisting that my children take advanced driving. They need to be properly prepared to keep themselves & other road users safe. Yes it's expensive, but I pray to God I do not get a late night knock from the police. Driving is a huge responsibility and it is not a right.
Silly mistakes and distractions cause lives. The number of people that I STILL see using mobiles is frightening. They law does not apply to them.
I do not think the current A38 is suitable for higher speeds, varying speeds can be confusing and cause further problems.”
by shankenstein
Thursday, December 22 2011, 5:36PM
“Welcome to Plymouth Island...Please drive carefully and don't laugh at our accents.”
by adadad1
Thursday, December 22 2011, 11:37AM
“Should he not campaign for a motor way then ?
Why accept West Devon getting left further and further behind.
No airport
No motorway
No train line in sever weather.”
by shankenstein
Thursday, December 22 2011, 10:03AM
“Good to see Gary using his position of power to continue to do God's work - What speed would Jesus do?”
by giginjrtfri
Wednesday, December 21 2011, 1:42PM
“the only way they should increase it is if they actually spend some money improving safety on it - e.g. building more crash barriers, putting in a 3rd lane at known bottlenecks etc”
by Winstonsmith0
Wednesday, December 21 2011, 1:17PM
“But Mr Streeter, just think how much quicker those HGVs full of commercial and industrial waste for the Plymouth incinerator could pass along the A38.
Its a wonderfully safe road as we all know
Maybe you need to table a question in the house . . and turn up this time.
Devon tories; keen to stand in front of the cameras but not so keen to listen to and follow the wishes of their constituents”
by DoOneChimpo
Tuesday, December 20 2011, 5:26PM
“This is all an unfortunate consequence of voting for incompetent MPs.”
by bluebell2
Tuesday, December 20 2011, 5:04PM
“Never mind the roads what about the water bills mr streeter u never seem to bother about the most important things we are being fleeced by them fot the sake of shareholders and what about the airport thats another thing thats been swept under the carpet . bluebell”