Why Is the British Government LOWERING UK SPEED LIMITS?

[@PhilipBallGarry]

Watching your video Stu, I was pondering this too and came to the same conclusion as yourself even before the end. I think you're correct. I also agree that the government are well aware of the lack of capacity in the grid for a large scale uptake of electric vehicle use. A 33% decrease in urban speeds will significantly reduce the consumption of electrical energy in these vehicles. People will become frustrated of course, but with mandatory speed limiters being slowly but inexorably rolled out, soo we won't have a choice but to observe these new limits.

[@chrishart8548]

I think it's to limit how far we travel. We only have a certain amount of spare time. If we travel slower we can't go as far

[@GoIdenApple]

Get to know the bloke down the road with a computer

[@henryhyam5148]

@JJ And windfarms are at their lowest output when the most is needed - during those cold, still periods of stationary high pressure in the winter.

[@anthonyprice5596]

Unless you do 190k in an electric car, it does more damage to the environment than a petrol or diesel car. The best option is a Hybrid if your seriously concerned about CO2, however even David Bellamy and the guy who started Greenpeace Dr Patrick Moore have both said its a lie. We are being coerced into a grim restricted future. It will end with social discourse and deaths. I see Klause schwab not dying naturally. And a grizly ending for all his followers.

[@kellanhills1972]

Speed limits are increasing here in the USA. I regularly drive between Grand Rapids and Detroit. The speed limit is 75. But people usually go 85-90 without being stopped by the coppers.

[@kevinjones3900]

Air quality 😂😂😂 I thought i would put my local council to the test. I pretended to be concerned about air pollution by the local school asking what they intend to do about parents driving kids to school from very very short distances and letting SUVs run for 20 mins before dropping kids off. All of a sudden they were not interested in air pollution. It's all a scam to get us off the roads.

[@simonthompson3627]

I believe that this has nothing to do with emissions or road safety, simply because no studies have been published showing either baselines or projected targets for the effectiveness of these speed reductions. It is all about control of a large proportion of the population leading eventually to the removal of private transport. Road speed limits were originally defined as the "safe" speed at which they could be used. Remember that this was when vehicle safety and brake performance was way below what it is today and yet it applies as much to roads that have seen relatively little increase in their use over the decades. This so called "green agenda " will be used to eliminate the private motorist.

[@stephenlennox6491]

Spot on.

[@peteybabe1]

If you couple this with the amount of matrix information informing of stranded vehicle, vehicle fire, report of pedestrians/animals etc slowing you down, road closures, road works, diversions. All making your journey more stressful, to stop you driving. It's the road version of the congestion in airports, delays etc to stop you travelling. All to make you stay at home.

[@stewiemac4017]

You only need to consider how rabidly the green party hate motorcycles to see the truth of what you suggest. Lower emissions, no congestion, but the Greens refuse to make motorcycles, including electric motorcycles, part of transport policy or agree to bus lane access. Their policies are walking, cycling and mass public transport with the eradication of personal motorised (longer distance) personal transportation. I wonder if their funding is Chinese.

[@alancrane4693]

Exactly 👍 if only the rest of the population realise it.

[@DJPTEXAS]

TRUTH...

[@peterjf7723]

I no longer live in the UK having moved to Turkey in 2018, but in the Bristol area many roads had speed limits lowered to 20mph. Before I moved I also visited friends in Berkshire and noticed that some roads in the countryside that previously had national speed limits or 50mph limit had been reduced to 30mph. An architect friend said that another reason for reducing speed limits, that I hadn't thought of, is that it makes it easier to get planning permission for new houses to be built as slower roads are considered much safer.

[@budbud2509]

I can agree with that , near the Windsor / Ascot area . Lots of new limits one road down to 40 from national speed limit , I've traveled that road for 20 years and never seen an accident of evidence of one there.

[@peterjf7723]

@Kuto Yes I am enjoying life in Türkiye. My wife is Turkish and I have two adult stepsons. I think we have a better standard of living than if we had stayed in the UK. I haven't driven here as I had to give up driving for health reasons in 2017. I am probably well enough to drive again and have been wondering if I should renew my licence. I did buy a car here that my stepsons drive.

[@ozzyg82]

I rode my motorcycle into London last weekend (where I used to live). I was shocked to find I had to go at 20mph nearly everywhere! It was so frustrating and took me such a long time getting anywhere…

[@Taz-yt4tj]

I live in the Wigan area and the amount of 20 signs are going up everywhere so is the amount of cameras = more fines . The difference between a conspiracy and fact is about six weeks ,stu love all your vids keep it up 🤩

[@creightonjason]

I used to work with a guy that work in the processing centre for speeding fines, Norfolk centre paid for 70 coppers and they made £1 mil a year in profit, IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ACCIDENTS

[@douglasfleetney5031]

Here in the deep south east several good roads had the limit reduced during the plague shutdowns. Canterbury has many routes reduced to 20 mph (even though for most of the day that is an optimistic target, stationary is more common). A wonderful Bikers Road has been slammed with a 50 limit for safety reasons, no accidents of note for a decade. Yesterday on a long car run from Liverpool to home I encountered over 30 miles of 60mph for, firstly; major road works (never saw them), next was debris in road (nothing seen), then congestion (clear road all the way) finally was a broken down vehicle (not seen). All the time we were under cameras, cynical money making exercise perchance? Not only that but two of the major routes south were closed for roadworks (M1 and A1) so the alternates (A14/M11 and M40) were more congested thereby making the journey that little more difficult. Many years ago a dear, sadly departed friend, once stated that all governments want is to control every aspect of our lives and the best way to do that is to deprive us of our freedom of movement. We have had the lock downs and it was seen to be mostly practical, the financial services were maintained, the rest can go to hell. Since then we have had fuel prices head north faster than I can remember with lip service paid by the government over reducing them, we are seeing restrictions on travel, rail prices are extortionate and 'new' safety speed restrictions. Since the 1950's this country has been formed around personal motor transport with freight being pushed onto the roads away from a clean faster rail alternative. Then the rail lines were systematically destroyed in the name of rationalisation and profit. Now we are being forced to 'heat or eat' due to stupidity and greed and travel is getting too expensive this means we are locking ourselves down! It all leads back to the deluded dreams from 10 Downing Street and the green socialist who has been running this country into the ground chasing his wife's dream of net bloody zero. I swear they will not be happy until we are living back in the 1820's again......

[@canopus101]

This has been happening in Wales for a couple of years. The reason given for reduction in speed limits is emissions. If this was really the case electrical vehicles would not have to comply with the limit. This is not the case. My view is that, in future, the wealthy will be able to use the roads, the poor will use bicycles. Look at city congestion schemes, if you have the cash drive your 6 litre car in a city you can, if you can't afford it don't drive in cities. Sometimes I'm glad I will be dead soon, all fun is being withdrawn from life.

[@lancethrust9488]

CAUSE MORE EMISSIONS AS PEOPLE WITH AIDLE IN 2ND GEAR HIGH REVS IN 20MPHS ZONES

[@johnfellows689]

Glad you will be dead? I'm not sure if you realise how common that phrase is among 80 year olds after seeing human beings like Putin running a country as big as Russia without much change in logic from that of 1917, it's no surprise

[@interestedlen8823]

You are absolutely correct, canopus. Wales has been used as a test tube. The people making these laws often have chauffeured or taxied transport, which means they can use reserved lanes at no cost. The plutocracy is quietly taking control. The great reset is happening without our input, and with barely a murmur of protest. Huxley and Orwell gave us warnings which appear to have been used as blueprints. The youth appears to have become somnolent, in past generations the uproar would have stopped this. Borrowing from the great Ricky Hatton, 'Here comes the fun police'.

[@canopus101]

@@interestedlen8823 I do not disagree, worrying times.

[@iang1955]

I was once told by a policeman that it's the county councils that are reducing the speed limits. The lower they are, the less they are mandated to spend on maintenance by the government. Given the worsening economic situation, that may explain why more and more roads are being affected. i.e. it reduces overall council outgoings.

[@smiffysmurfy8057]

Cambridge changed many of its urban speed limits to 20 mph several years ago before, I think, any electric cars were available to purchase. The residents were invited to air their views to the council before the new limit was implemented. The main reasons the council gave were the safety of pedestrians who walked into the road and also to decrease emissions and engine noise. I made the point that, whereas a car may be in fourth gear at 30 mph, it would likely be in third or even second gear at 20 mph. Therefore any lessening in emissions and noise would only be theoretical and not actually happen in practice. They went ahead anyway.

[@creightonjason]

I live locally and Im fully aware of the stupid Cambridge council rules on roads, narrowing down roads is my bug bear here. Addenbrookes round about, I was on a bus in 1988 when they installed traffic lights, what happened ? Massive traffic jams started from that day forward. When the lights are switched off, no more hold ups. The council are the ones that are causing the problems - Mill road bridge ? Ill leave it there

[@christopherwhite5210]

Hi Stu. I think that you're pretty much right with a couple of additions. Lower limits, particularly the urban 20mph, levels the ground for increased pushbike useage and it's possibly part of the measures to make using your own vehicle as much as a pain in the butt as possible. All the best Chris.

[@ChrisJohnson-pd4hh]

I ride pushbikes as well as motorbike/car. I am increasingly concerned with the number of pedestrians, young and old, stepping into the road without so much as a glance if anything is coming. A couple of weeks ago I remarked to someone that if I had an accident on my cycle, chances are it would be from a pedestrian or youths on bicycles/electric scooters. Sure enough I was knocked off my bike only last evening by a youth on bicycle. As I made a left turn this numpty, riding on the footpath, failed to stop at the curb and check. He ploughed straight across and fetched me off. At 67 you don't bounce back as quickly as the old days. Pedestrians and youths on bikes are now, in my opinion, the number one threat to decent cyclists.

[@christopherwhite5210]

@@ChrisJohnson-pd4hh Another unfortunate effect of the recent highway code changes I think. Yes cyclist's were allocated a higher priority then motor vehicles but everyone's forgetting that pedestrians were given the highest one. Maybe, just like some cyclist's, some will push the boundaries of these new rights.

[@stewartmckay9830]

Road offences fines are doubling in Australia. And penalties are becoming more severe. There is nothing democratic about what is going to happen Ask the Dutch farmers

[@the.just.able.biker67]

It's happening up here in Scotland too. So many of our roads have reduced speed limits now it's rediculous. It's nothing to do with road safety. Modern cars are full of airbags, so in the unlikely event that your abs brakes, wide low profile tyres and crash avoidance systems don't prevent you from crashing, the inside of your car is going to resemble a bouncy castle when you do end up in a ditch. It's definitely getting us used to driving slower so when we all end up on electric cars we're going to use them as soulless transport and not fun. I'll still be stinking the place out with my noisy fast motorbike just for fun.

[@henryhyam5148]

Certainly where I ride in the Bristol and South West area, and in rural South Wales (Brecon Beacons etc), there has been a creeping reduction in the posted legal speed limits for a couple of years. 50 is the new 60 and so on down the scale and there is a trend towards more road paint, hatching, red tarmac areas etc to discourage overtaking. Other than some main routes, Bristol is a 20mph zone - it makes it easier to avoid all the people wobbling around on the 15mph restricted e-scooters that have been introduced recently. It's not really a hardship but I doubt that it reduces pollution, or accidents - at least any further than the increase caused by people falling off the e-scooters (about which I can find no publicly available information). You have an interesting theory regarding a reduction in stress on the national grid. You may be correct, but I do think that you are giving central government too much credit for thinking it through that far. Also keep in mind that from very soon all new car models (most of which will be electric) will have technology to stop drivers breaking the speed limit. Over-ridable at first, until they flick the switch. Goodness knows how all of the tax revenue from fuel duty and VAT will be replaced. I suspect that the large scale lowering of speed limits is mainly as a result of pressures on councils from the green lobby, the safety lobby, local residents, the fear of being blamed for accidents if they don't "do something", the desire to "be seen to be doing something" ("your safety is our highest priority") and a general stampede in the direction of making individually determined transport unattractive and ultimately the preserve of the wealthy - see flying in the 1960's and motoring in the 1930's. I do feel very sorry for those who will be impacted by all of this, which will mostly be the less well off and rural populations (quite a big cross-over on that Venn diagram). My interim solution: ride old bikes / drive old cars / hang the cost / keep observation up for speed enforcement and enjoy yourself before it's all taken away.

[@vincentl.9469]

Mass protest !

[@MrJasonmay69]

I live in New South Wales, Australia. Speed limits on many medium to high volume secondary roads are being reduced. Safety is often cited as the reason, but I believe you are correct. Lower speeds, reduce emissions, long journeys become impractical, raise the running costs of ICE vehicles before phaseing them out altogether, and gradually force people into the new generation of EV and Hybrid vehicles with all of the 'big brother' tech and telemetry they embody. It's engineering the behaviour of the motoring public for the future.

[@colinyoung7836]

In Australia they have been doing this for several years In every State. Australia is a big country And this lowering speed limits Means long journey's seem endless.

[@HoratioBlogs]

I got a $350 speeding fine on an urban dual carriageway in the outer Melbourne area a few years back. The speed limits there seem to be crazy changing, in places, every 250 yards. These changes are not well signed and difficult to spot in torrential when as a tourist you do not know the area. On the upside the good old VIC was unable to put any penalty points (demerits) on my UK licence. :-)

[@colinyoung7836]

@@HoratioBlogs the Australian government has said it couldn't afford to run the state without the revenue raised from speeding fines . They provide very expensive European sports cars to the highway patrol and put lots of pressure on them to bring in the dollars. Hey but we are doing this for public safety $$$$$

[@martinpoel]

@@colinyoung7836 I don't see any evidence of your statement "They provide very expensive European sports cars to the highway patrol" as in my area they still use Holden sedans.

[@frankfeely9235]

Journeyed from Tayside to Hereford last week and discovered exactly what you found in regards to Sat Nav speed limit versus actual in many places. I believe the policy is to frustrate the ownership of private vehicles and get the general public used to not travelling far afield.

[@andysims4906]

It won’t stop people speeding unless you back it up with cameras. Even at 30 mph people don’t stick to them . There are quite a few 20 mph limits put up round here. Everyone apart from 2% ignore them. Out here in the sticks you don’t get speed detector vans.

[@chrishart8548]

Did you hear they had diesel generators at Glastonbury to charge the electric cars

[@stuartfillingham]

I certainly did! and was it £80 to charge the car?

[@melfzs]

Totally agree Stuart, it's all about control and persuading us not to travel as it will become boring and oppressive. As for twenty mph limits the greens in my area of Stockport are constantly making this a topic based on inflated accident figures to persuade people to go along with it in the name of safety. A twenty limit on the main road through my area will just impede normal traffic progress, its ridiculous.

[@nickclimpson9812]

Thanks!

[@stuartfillingham]

Thank you!

[@rich.dodd1]

Yes, a lot of roads have seen speed reductions for no apparent reason. While the odd one or two is needed, I do believe this is more to do with revenue than the excuses they give. The immediate speed reductions coupled with speed camera van proves this. Trying to drive 20mph is hard, your barely moving, 30mph is hard enough. The ultimate goal is to reduce the number of cars on the road, this in turn reduces emissions. Force us out of cars on public transport.

[@deormanrobey892]

Beat me to it.

[@kanderson4417]

I've got an idea, have someone walk in front of the vehicle carrying a red flag.

[@morrisminor56]

yes, we are heading that way.

[@rodrigollcarreira]

Looks like its happening everywhere. Here in Brazil this is also happening. Streets that had a speed limit of 60 km/h are now at 50 km/h. Highways that had a limit of 100 km/h reduced to 80 km/h.

[@benschofield7565]

At the minute the M62 East has been reduced from two lanes to one where it joins the M621. I can think of no reason for this other than to create traffic congestion. It's difficult not to think we're being subconsciously forced on to public transport by private transport being made more and more inconvenient, rather than improvements being made to the public transportation networks.

[@MeYou-yz2yz]

Public transport?😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣It's crap and far too expensive anyway.

[@recoilrob324]

People will tend to drive at whatever speed they feel is prudent...and wholesale lowering of limits just opens up the revenue pool that much deeper when the plod need more money. What if they lowered it to10 mph nationwide? NOBODY would do that and the money from tickets would be rolling in...just as they like it. Eventually they want to irritate us all enough to get us into mass transit...sorry, not going to happen anytime soon.

[@stuartfillingham]

Your forgetting! speed limiters came into force this week.

[@thecraiginator]

I highly recommend that you see my reply on particular post. It appears that powers that be maybe taking individuals ability to surpass the speed limits away via technology initiatives.

[@stevedix2973]

Thanks

[@stuartfillingham]

Thank You!

[@borderlands6606]

Let's be clear, social science is sophisticated enough that tweaking the dials a few degrees this was or that (but mostly that), controls our behaviour in ways that are predictable. We've seen them applied increasingly, not least in social restrictions on movement and interaction, and it's naive to think romantic ideas of the open road will evade the all-seeing eye. Technocratic authoritarianism is in the ascendancy, a few pence on fuel, a traffic lane squeeze here, an environmental speed limit there. Next, you've given up personal transport and stare outside from the last pane of your shrinking Overton window.

[@robertmassey807]

Hi Stu, loved the route on this video. I live north of Brighton, you were there recently and would have noticed 20mph speed limits everywhere. Brighton council is green and anti car! We should all walk, use bicycles or catch the bus. Elsewhere some speed limits have reduced but only on the grounds of safety. The last thing the Highways Agency want here is to reduce the flow of peak hours traffic. I do not think it has anything here to do with electric vehicles which around me appear to be a wealthy persons play thing.

[@impalaSS65]

The general populace will NOT be able to own autonomous transportation. That is - no Tesla's or i3 or Trabant with a Braun razor motor. Neither will air travel longer be available for ordinary Brits or Swedes.

[@mikelight]

Hi Stuart. I live in rural North Dorset. In recent years a 50 mph speed limit appeared between Shaftesbury and Blandford. I was quite surprised with the amount of 20 mph limits in Taunton whilst out on my mod 2 test too

[@michaelmclarney1994]

Speed limits have been lowered from 60 to 50 in Warwickshire for many years, I only know one stretch of road still a 60 limit. I think you're right in your reasoning too but it makes no difference globally when China does what it wants and places like Dubai are busy air conditioning the streets!

[@Markjt100]

I live in relatively rural area in Norfolk and it's the same here, a lot of the 60mph roads have been knocked back to just 50mph. I'm also pretty sure that this has been planned as part of a strategy to not only reduce our use of fuel but to also reduce the amount of charge an EV will require. It's all smoke and mirrors......

[@TheBernie1962]

I think you've hit the nail on the head mate, we are having similar problems down here in Australia.

[@GapBahnDirk]

I moved to a "third world" country 25 years ago and am living happily ever after. If I still live in the UK, I would buy a motorbike while I still can and it would probably be a Royal Enfield 350, because I could go most places with plenty of throttle open.

[@Stevel_]

Where did you move? Always keeping a running list of free places to move to once the government drones take over.

[@GapBahnDirk]

@@Stevel_ Thailand. Now my wife is Thai.

[@GT380man]

The only places where you’ll be able to retain freedom is where you live directly off the land and sea, in relatively undeveloped countries. Everywhere else is immediately in scope for totalitarian control systems. It’s so much darker than most people will believe. I explain the rationale for my deductions and almost everyone rejects it. Arguments such as “this is a democracy, people won’t put up with that, no one would be that cruel / stupid” etc etc. All I can say is Mistakes Are Not Being Made. Everything is deliberate, intentional, malevolent.

[@rhysjones6069]

Excellent, and thought provoking.... appreciated...

[@russellowen6302]

I find that speed limits have been reduced substantially here in South Wales. My immediate thought was also a conspiracy was under way. The government, having lost a fortune in income from speeding fines, was now reducing speed limits in order to increase their income from fines. Many businesses have done the same, increasing prices to gouge back some of their pandemic losses. I have always viewed speeding fines as a stealth tax on motorists. I think they do more harm than good by building frustration and congestion on a road system which is unfit for the 19th century never mind the 21st.

[@deslangan748]

Hi Stu, I have noticed speed limits being lowered in Hampshire. My view is that they are being lowered by policy makers to enable the public to get accustomed to lower speed limits. That way, there will be less push back when the switch over occurs in 2030.

[@Lynt144]

The film Demolition Man is becoming less futuristic 😎🛺🤦‍♂️

[@kramnireehs]

Only point I would mention is drivers breathe the air on motorways and indeed motorcyclists. The new highway code rule on pedestrians at junctions getting priority was because self driving cars are programmed to stop so it's getting us used the the idea of everyone stopping for pedestrians before it happens

[@ParaBellum2024]

Sounds plausible! I hadn't thought of that. I do think that there won't be self-driving _cars:_ it'll be self-driving _lorries,_ carrying freight.

[@stuarthull5706]

Our high street is now 20mph here in Worcestershire and locally loads of roads now 50mph for no reason.

[@davemitchell2401]

Hi Stuart I reckon you have hit the nail on the head friend. Keep up your great vids please Stu, I love them. :)

[@TheArtdecovampire]

My thoughts echo yours. However if I'm being glib, I currently ride, and thoroughly enjoy my Meteor., so the slower the better. My fear is that this will end with soulless 45 mph electric bikes that are designed by hipsters in Shoreditch.

[@calknight1666]

There is definitely something going on, I live in Surrey and was chatting to a traffic police officer recently and he said Surrey has very few national speed limit roads left. One major road near me was reduced to 50mph a while ago and has now been reduced to 40. Some years ago I was working at a major airport and over heard a conversation between 2 senior people from major airlines attending a conference and the gist of it was the worlds oil supply is in much worse shape then the public are led to believe! Could explain some of what's going on in the world.

[@henryhartley9993]

Nice one Stuart, I think you're spot on...

[@Wigglesway]

New to the channel, not a biker , don’t even have a bike license but just subscribed and really enjoy the content and general feel of the videos, know the your area well through my other half coming from there, Here in Cheshire it feels easier to make progress to a particular destination through the back lanes than on the ever more restricted A roads, surely a main road is to get us to our destination quicker than trundling down the back lanes? Hmmm, keep the quality content coming and take care.

[@CodgerBiker]

20mph extensively in our area. NEVER enforced. Most drive at 35mph, or assume they can look at their phone, or both. So if riding at 20mph you are in danger of being shunted, tail-gated out of the way, or even stopped and threatened by irate drivers who assume the 20mph repeater signs are ‘advisory’. As the Italians say, ‘have any law you like so long as you don’t enforce it.’ Feels much more dangerous at present.

[@jamescapstick9598]

We have a major drug driving culture in my area which magistrates court lists bear out. Speeding youth's and threatening aggressive middle aged morons off their heads driving cars are a bigger problem than people realise.

[@benitopussolini544]

Far worse than that is the phone addiction.while someone may be a bit stoned they can still see where they are going.looking at a phone means not looking at the road.the drug driving test is hopelessly inaccurate.next time you sit n traffic just observe the person behind you and watch where their eyes are looking in your mirror.

[@grayback1857]

In Smethwick, West Midlands. Plethora of new 20mph limits. Not specifically where needed or by schools. I have thought for some time the increased control and pacification of traffic could be to more easily integrate self-drive vehicles.

[@nickclimpson9812]

Spot on Stu, another thought provoking video which I completely agree with. Here in Hampshire we've just suffered a widened motorway restricted to 50mph even after it was completed, resulting in bunched up nose to tail traffic and some very conscientious drivers doing an indicated 48 mph (actually 45 mph) in the outside lane. Finally the restriction has been lifted, we're back to 70mph, result is Mr 48mph is back in the nearside lane and the traffic flows much easier with much safer distances between vehicles.

[@MrJpb2000]

Anything put forward in politics which is redeemed as “Sensible” (i.e. lowering speed limits to ensure saviour of the Universe!) will always get passed. In reality, 50mph in a car will make the whole experience of driving a chore. 50mph on a modern classic motorcycle or even a moped will still keep the journey a little more fun. In some resorts overseas (Lake Garda in Italy) 50mph is the speed limit everywhere & still keeps motorcycling a little more fun than travelling in any other vehicle.

[@michaelarmstrong4099]

My take on the speed lowering is this: 1. Making sixty zones down to fifty MPH zones will reduce maintenance costs on the road network. 2. In urban areas, if everyone can’t get above 20 MPH. Is the government trying to push us to take the bus 🚌 or even cycle? 🚲 That’s just my way of thinking 🤔 Michael Armstrong National Political Officer (M.A.G.)

[@TheSweetasanut]

Where I live south east London 20 mph increased congestion as everyone is going so slow tail gaiting increasing the risk of rear end shunts camera vans catching people driving at 22mph revenue driver awareness courses . Drivers driving at 80 mph at night no vans around no police catching these idiots as they are busy it so meat up .

[@richardyardley5127]

There have been no changes to speed limits here on The Isle of Wight as of yet. There were some 'permanently signed' reductions around virus testing stations during the pandemic but these have now been returned to normal. Personally I believe it is a 'health and safety gone mad' issue. Certainly cars are tuned to give their maximum economy at 40mph in top. 20mph limits mean 3rd gear, higher revs and more emissions per mile. As with the pandemic it's all about being seen to do as much about perceived safety. If it were about emissions, they would keep speeds between 30 and 40mph imo. So, it isn't about that. Road humps and forced narrowing of roads are living proof that government and local councils don't give two hoots about emissions and forced vehicle wear and tear. Emission legislation is all about more taxation on the motorist imo. Nothing more.

[@TheRealWindlePoons]

Hi Stuart. You are not wrong, its everywhere I go. I recently took an old "ride to work" I once used daily. It was about 50% 60mph 15 years ago. That is probably less than 5% today. Everything above 30mph has been reduced by 10. At home my street is 20mph (unpoliced, mostly ignored and flouted) but the single-track lane at the back is 30mph. The countryside is worse and quite frankly, a mess. I grew up and spent my early biking years in south Lincolnshire. I recently returned for a short break. Unfortunately I was driving a borrowed (modern) car - the sort with a tiny petrol engine, a six-speed box and a turbocharger. The Sat-nav was useless at guessing the speed limit. Driving these rural roads was fun when it was 60mph or 30mph. Now we have increments of 10mph (apparently plucked out of the air) requiring constant cog-swapping (the car manufacturer even put a "change gear" nagging icon on the dash). I was brow-beaten into buying a diesel car for low CO2 emissions (now the devil incarnate on particulates). With Boris Johnson's respect for the law, nothing he has done commands any respect in others. For as long as I can, I'm driving my diesel and riding my two-stroke (condemned on unburnt hydrocarbons but rather good on oxides of nitrogen). I ride/drive less than 3000 miles a year. Junking my fully serviceable transport is not a green option - quite the opposite.

[@themightylui9632]

I have just read an article that says the Welsh Senedd is to vote tomorrow 12/07/2022 on a blanket 20mph speed limit on ALL residential roads !!!

[@billmuir7377]

Same reductions in Scotland, I agree there must be a centralised exercise to nationally reduce possibly to mitigate demand for electricity.

[@edwardcollings9611]

Part of the 2030 sustainability '15 minute smart city' once you establish a need to drop from 30 to 20 grounds of safety, the first incremental step towards banning cars altogether. All part of the totalitarian tip toe. Additionally (it's my job) the cables in the ground simply are not big enough to carry the current at the 11KV to 415/230v distribution network

[@andrewknight9080]

Hi Stu. Large swathes of Wales (A & B roads) are now peppered with speed humps and 20MPH limits and the Welsh assembly are about to make 20MPH the default speed limit throughout Wales in residential areas despite the majority in a recent WG survey objecting to it (Welsh labour have history of doing this). A large percentage of the M4 is now 50MPH with the justification being to reduce air pollution (even where it passes the steel works in Port Talbot.... You couldn't make this up). As mentioned by others here, this is all about removing private transport from the masses and forcing them onto public transport. I suspect this is just the start with ULEZ likely to be rolled out to all major towns and cities soon. How long do we have to put with this nonsense? In Wales, Drakeford won't be happy until private ownership means owning a horse and cart! Utter Madness and we simply shouldn't accept it. Like you say, why should drivers of all electric vehicles that emit no carbon be forced to do these reduced limits if the justification is simply reducing emissions. There is another problem in Wales. The Welsh government have failed woefully in rolling out any kind of useable infrastructure for electric vehicles. Then again, perhaps that's all part of the master plan!

[@tnetroP]

It makes sense. I think you are spot on. There are 20mph limits near me where it makes no sense at all.

[@stephenwilliams6103]

I live in Cambridge, 20mph limits are everywhere, aswell as speed humps. Going on tour next week down to Devon & Cornwall. Think that I will get creative with some black 12mm insulation tape, 🤔 to my plate😁🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@pauldavies9360]

Just got done doing a 30 in a 20 by a bike cop. Was 2up with the mrs lazy Sunday morning, absolutely dead on the road going through a sleepy village. Fricking harsh! I wouldn't be surprised of they drop them, then send the traffic police out in force to drum up fines.

[@throttle_up]

Not seen Cambridgeshire mentioned yet. It's happening here too. Mainly village and residential 30s becoming 20s, from my observations. I've heard the reason of local emmissions control, but if it becomes a default position I would be tempted to suspect this is a move to get us all on public transport. Once we see bus lanes with higher limits, we'll know the truth. 😕

[@grahambridge7642]

Come to Kent. Mile after mile of 40mph limts (Or lower) driving down empty, wide roads with empty fields either side. Madness.

[@54macdog]

Technocrats have to justify their salaries. And they love interfering in people's lives. And there is usually a concomitant splurge of virtue-signalling.

[@enfield7123]

Another great motorcycle ride for us to watch keep them up👍 I took my royle endfeld interceptor in for its first m.o.t. the other day the man was puzzled to see a Enfield interceptor and spent a hour chatting about it 🤦‍♂️

[@karlosh9286]

A section of the A127 dual carriage from Basildon to Southend in Essex got its speed limit reduced about 2 years ago from 70 to 50 MPH on the grounds of "air quality" . Not many houses on the road, mainly just fields . It is now one long slow grind. Set the cruise control on , and almost go to sleep, so as not to trigger the average speed cameras. In Essex, we've got some new 20 MPH limits in town centres (one example , Ingatestone, Essex) . Came in during the covid lockdown. Generally they have been on very tight town centres. Couldn't really do 30 MPH safely there before. Most of these have so far seemed reasonable. In London, not that I drive there, large swathes are going 20 MPH. The worse bit , is some of the urban dual carriageways , that were 40 , are dropping to 30. There might be cases of it going to 20 MPH. As for the electricity grid not being able to cope with all the new electric cars. It's not just ICE cars they want to get rid of . Gas Boilers (maybe cookers as well) are on Death Row too. So there's going to be a very large grid and power station upgrades needed with all the new extra demand. I don't see the electricity grid coping ! We'll all be pedal cycling, and having to dress up like Scott of the Antarctic in our houses in coming winters.

[@AlastairT509]

Last 4 long rides over the last couple of weeks - in Lincolnshire/Nottinghamshire/Cambridgeshire and to London - found reduced speed limit roads on every one (which means they have changed in the last few moths as I ride these roads regularly - it’s been going on for 20 years but got much more frequent in the last couple of years). No consistency around why each road has a particular limit, but funnily enough high value housing villages just outside Peterborough 20 limit, residential areas of the Lincolnshire Fens 40 or 50. I agree with all the points you make - it also seems more common on the “good motorcycling” roads - but some people ride at stupid speeds so I have some sympathy with those ones.

[@jamesmartin532]

There is a gradual reduction in speed limits in my area of Somerset, your theory has merit but I think it has more to do with a strategy of getting us out of our cars (private transport) and on to public transport. The cycling 'revolution' is another example of this and many towns are looking at ways to encourage us to walk or cycle. The recent changes to the Highway Code that seek to improve use by pedestrians and cyclist and penalise motorists also support this trend. The governments own data on sustainable transport refers to issues such as UK road transport having increased 87% in the last twenty years, one of their key areas is reducing travel demand and private transport use.

[@jhareng]

Point being did the Gov create the mayhem by slowing everything down to a stop, nothing moves. What you have lately is all stop, start, stop start etc. Could have had 100 cars free 20 years ago in say 1/2 mile. Due to extra lights, pedestrian crossings, and lower speed limits on camera that same 1/2 mile stretch i would now say handles 40% of what it used to handle.

[@martinholt2844]

Ive been out riding recently as I have just bought a new bike and have noticed in Leicestershire that speed on what we term ”biking routes” have been reduced from 60mph to 50mph and even some ares have average speed cameras installed. The main route is the B6047 between Market Harborough and Melton Mowbray. Even beyond Melton, the restrictions continue until the road reaches the Lincolnshire border, where it reverts to 60mph and no average speed cameras. Are some counties more active than others at implementing?

[@peterwhalley6491]

Yes 100% speed limits increasing everywhere with some counties worse than others. Driving through Yorkshire recently lots of Urban areas down to 20mph. Some counties have most country roads at 50mph. Over the years most of my favourite roads throughout the country have been systematically ruined for motorcycling by 50mph speed limits. This is one of the reasons I bought the Royal Enfield Bullet, as on it I am happy bimbling along at that speed.

[@darrenlong1031]

Totally agree Stuart. Maybe they can bring more money in through speeding fines when the revenue from fuel tax disappears as this is also going to leave a massive hole in the finances of this country. Empty motorway, 60 limit is going to be so painful.

[@creightonjason]

One town I grew in the council installed speed ramps and lowered the speed 'to ensure that accidents are reduced'. Or some such crap. In 45 years there has been only two pedestrian accidents both involved kids, both of them, it was ruled that the kids had been playing chicken with cars and were within 30 yards of an underpass. Both kids were on their way to school, which isnt there now...... So they still did it. The school has now been moved to another part of the town, so did they reduce the speed etc for this road. No. They just lie and lie

[@kevinbartram5302]

Most interesting Stewart. I think there may be any number of reasons perhaps most you have covered but one I think is so petrol can be used for other purposes other than our personal transportation.

[@timsatch9198]

Think you have hit the nail on the head mate. On speed limits, there are are lots of positives and negatives. Reduced speed limits worked during the early 70s fuel crisis, so why not. I live in Germany, on the Dutch border, so I drive in both countries. The Dutch have introduced 6 till 18:00 speed limits on the motorways, of 100kph/60mph. It is actually very relaxing. Much as you have descussed small/middle sized bikes are enough. It has also reduced many of the traffic jams caused by speeding traffic braking hard. In Germany they still have many unrestricted motorways BUT many drivers are driving at 60mph because of the fuel costs. Also relaxing. On the topic of EVs, 95% of them are a Volksverarsche. That's German for assh%ling the people. Never forget that for every gramme of CO² we don't put into the atmosphere, the Global Elite is losing money. All these EVs you see are only part of being seen to be doing something and to Masterbate ppls egos because you have to have better than everyone around you. There are 2 exception. The Aptera, a small aerodynamic 3 wheeler with enough sole panels for 30 miles a day and the largest battery pack gives it 1000 miles range. The other is the German Sion. Also self charging 20 - 30 miles a day. With most ppl driving less than 30 miles a day, these vehicles would allow most ppl to drive for nothing. This surely cannot be allowed. What about the Global Elite, %£ck the planet. We always have and always will, live in a soup of lies.

[@RonnieM]

They have been doing the same in the states for a long time 60mph country roads are now 30-40. In the past ten years I've noted that everytime they improve a road and make it safer with shoulders and such they then lower the speed limit. In a ten mile radius of my house there has been a traffic light apocalypse, so I don't see electric cars running ac or heat just sitting resulting in lower emissions (crazy!)

[@dennisrichards2540]

Just bought me an ex-army Landover Series 3, 15mpg tax and MOT exempt in a few short years . . . I can't wait to still be driving it around still in 30 years.

[@steveburrows101]

Combination of curbing air pollution and reduing accident frquency and severity. To my mind the problem is that the public have not, beyond a few narrow and biased "consultations", been engaged in this process, and the legislation in place for Highways England / National Highways means that not only are they not obliged to consult, they are (for air quality at least) legally obliged to act as quickly as they can in "problem areas" - meaning that the couldn't consult because a consultation period would delay implementation. As an old fart who's not usually in a hurry to get anywhere it usually doesn't matter much to me, but the principle is simply 100% wrong, the politicians and officials implementing these changes are 100% wrong; by denying the public the option to say Yea or Nay to these changes we are seeing government by dictatorship.

[@lukaszmura6328]

Great reset in full swing. Great video as always!

[@eskertoo]

Well the 20mph limit is soon to be arriving in my area...I thought it would just be minor roads,but it is every road in the town!In fact it will be on virtually every road on the Wirral Peninsula within 2 years.Time to sell the bikes!

[@paulclarke1233]

Hi Stewart , yes around the wèst Midlands they have reduced the moter way speeds and will let you no when I see the road sistem as been reduced around oldbury

[@anthonysherry2628]

Its happening in our country too, New Zealand. I have heard that the government has adopted the Swedish Road to Zero policy, to reduce road deaths, and make the roads safer.

[@ianbishop5951]

I have noticed some rural roads in Notts and Lincs changing from 60 to 50 with no need. I think you have hit the nail on the head for the reasons why it's happening.

[@mikeeboy7960]

I've just started ignoring limits if they have no cameras. no police to enforce

[@jeffvaljean6030]

I don't see how slowing traffic down helps anyone except the cameras so they can get a good picture of your registration number

[@RonnieM]

Stuart, just wanted to give you an update on the information I previously shared. So besides improving and then lowering speed limits on roads. They have all but gotten rid of passing zones, they have added stop lights replacing yield areas, and also added stop lights getting on and off highways. In a nut shell, it brings everything to a halt creating congestion zones while removing anyone's decision making ability. People behind planning must have lost their minds!

[@stephendeller7531]

Yes your right Stuart thay dropped the speed limit to 20 MPH in Southend Essex.

[@pauldavies9360]

There's alot of 50mph limits in South Wales now. Average speed cameras are everywhere on the major A470 around Cardiff. Also millions have been spent on straightening out the 'heads of the valleys' Road A465 around Abergavenny but have slapped 50mph all over it. Which makes me think what was the point!

[@stevewalker2047]

Hi Stu. Less speed less damage to the roads. I think it’s so they don’t need to repair the roads.

[@gp4pc]

They are already years behind in doing the road repairs, and with the tightening economy, the state of the roads are not going to get any better what ever the speed limit is.

[@BarryStanton]

One more step forward for the BIG green con.

[@kevinmurphy7138]

Hi Stuart I live in Newport South Wales and the area of the M4 I drive on has been reduced to 50 mph, and did travel to Bristol to work every day on shifts, I was told its because its a smart motorway and about 2 years ago I drove 50mph but they had dropped the speed limit to 40mph on the speed camera area and I had my cruse control set at 50mph and by the time I seen it it had me , so I had to go to a speed awareness course and out of the 25 people in the class 17 of us had been caught on this one section of motorway. Since March this year I took redundancy partly because the travelling back and for to work and home , when I was on mornings going home at 2pm the motorway going into Newport J25 the motorway would be slower than 50mph or stopped which made my 40minute travel 60 minutes or more and on a Friday even longer and going home on a 9pm finish on a afternoon shift you would find parts of the motorway certain sections closed due to roadworks and you would have to drive through Newport city itself which would take an hour or more, surely thats not good for the environment as lorries and cars all jammed up the main city area and this has been going on for 10 years when I was travelling to work, so now im starting a new job next week 6 miles from home and not going anywhere near the M4 so im happy now .

[@jovanmilosevic2494]

I live in the same area. Last Friday, queued from Bath to other side of Newport. Now that's doing a lot for air quality.

[@allaboutkalergi5012]

The UK gov has been lowering limits all this century. Where I live 40s are now 30, 50s are 40 and nationals are 50, while many 30s are 20mph. The upshot is that it takes me a couple of min more riding 7 miles into town than when I was 16 on a moped.

[@Eyeyamknowwon]

Just nice to see a KZbin video in which a motorcyclist drives in a responsible manner

[@michaelrheiner2415]

Every large change like this will come with wins and losses. The world leaders who want these changes jump on the latest, only to find that it isn’t a perfect solution. And there is still a huge segment of the world that will never jump into the process and thus will continue their CO production liberally. Doesn’t mean we cant try, but power and control are infectious…and leaders love it. Even the best leaders get clouded by it. I’m learning a lot about the Uk from you and my mates in Sunderland, Bicester, and various locations. Having never grown up with the kind of government control that the UK, Canada, and others have, I try not to judge reactions or why. One thing I know: just because people all over the world can buy things at the same stores like Costco, does not mean they have the same types of freedoms and liberties. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and helping me learn.

[@MarkESBuckmaster]

I live in North Norfolk and have seen a lot of 50mph speed limits replacing 60mph and 20mph limits in towns replacing 30mph. I agree with your theory and of course, added to the reduction in speed limits and the banning of petrol and diesel new car sales in 2030, there is the introduction of cars with speed limiters built-in, to force cars to those new reduced limits. Keep up the good work. I run a 2019 Royal Interceptor 650, which I've had new from February 2019 and love to bits. On Friday I'm off to Scotland to do the NC500 with a mate on his Aprilia Tuono. We plan to do a vlog, with some drone footage, which I'll publish on my own channel.

[@Uriel-Septim.]

They are doing the same here in Copenhagen.

[@mar0364]

There are international organizations nudging the countries of the world in the same direction. The things us older folks find infringing the younger folks take in stride. I don’t know where it ends.

[@Ontheroadtourism]

On July 1 Turkey increased their speed limits to 81mph on motorways and on certain motorways to 87 mph.

[@chrisweeks6973]

At this rate - and presuming that private vehicle ownership is still allowed - it probably won't be too long before the reimposition of The Locomotive Act of 1865. Most folks think that allowed a speed limit of 4 mph; in actuality, that was the highway speed. Around town, the speed limit was just 2 mph and required a man holding a red flag walking at least 60 yards ahead of the self-propelled vehicle, which required a crew of three. Contravention of the Act carried a 10-Pound fine which, in today's money, that equates to a fine of some 887 Pounds.

[@RideWithRen]

I live in South Korea and here too speed limits have dropped. The nearest highway between cities dropped from 100 kph to 80 kph. Approaching the city it drops further to 60 then 50 as you get into town. I urban areas I saw the limit drop from 50 to 40 in a few areas too. In school zones they made the limit 30 kph at all times, even when school is out or in the middle of the night. Korea also seemingly has a love affair with speed bumps and they are installed all over the place to slow you down. Even on a mountain road nearby they installed them before some of the more dangerous curves. Stationary speed cameras are also everywhere too. At least the speed cameras can only catch cars (as of right now) as they only photograph the front license plate, not the rear. Bikes can just speed right through... Yes I do believe they're doing it to take the enjoyment away from driving to get people away from driving for fun...

[@quickkwack]

Same here Stuart, down here in the south Sussex, Surrey & Hampshire roads A272, A24, A29 A25 all have reduced speeds a lot of 60 mph areas down to 50 and 40 also a lot of 30 mph areas as well now, strange thing all of the named roads are used a lot by bikers as they are great roads to ride on, by the way loving my Continental GT 650 which I purchased 3 month's ago and keep up the great work you do 😎👍