Slower motorway speed limit to save fuel backed by drivers
A new survey has revealed that 66% of motorists would back a reduction of the motorway speed limit to 60mph to save fuel.
The Institute for Public Policy Research proposed the idea in May as a solution to rising fuel costs. At the same time it called for the 30pmh speed limit in urban areas to be cut to 20mph.
Startline’s Used Car Tracker for July found that the majority of those surveyed supported a slower motorway speed limit, with 37% of drivers believing fuel shortages are a real possibility.
However, 21% said there are better ways to use less fuel, 14% argued that cutting the speed limit would be an imposition and 10% suggested the potential for fuel shortages is overhyped.
Fuel rationing
Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “The public backing for this is surprisingly high and shows people are willing to modify their behaviour in order to try to conserve petrol and diesel, and even help contain prices at the pumps and head off the possibility of fuel rationing.”
The Startline Used Car Tracker also found that 54% of respondents said the fuel crisis made it more likely their next car would be electric.
Burgess concluded:
“There is already some evidence that consumers have been looking more favourably on used electric cars since the onset of the fuel shock and going electric is certainly a good way of insulating yourself from the worst of pump price increases.”
