F1 legend Nigel Mansell backs 80mph speed limit plan

Published on Tuesday 14 February 2012 16:44

Former Formula 1 legend Nigel Mansell is backing to plans to raise the speed limit on British motorways to 80mph.

The government is considering raising the limit from 70mph, despite fears it could lead to more crashes.

The retired racing driver and former world champion, said: “I don’t see why that becomes a problem. When I was a young man cars weren’t really able to do 70mph. They are very safe now.”

Announcing plans for a consultation on the issue last autumn, then Transport Secretary Philip Hammond said the current speed limit was nearly 50 years old and was out of date thanks to huge advances in safety and motoring technology.

Echoing this view, Mansell also suggested that speed cameras could lead to motorists feeling “victimised”.

Although they had initially been introduced “to save lives in dangerous places”, they had gone on to cause controversy among drivers who feel some cameras are only there as a means of bringing in money, he said.

But he conceded there were still “far too many” accidents on British roads.

Speaking after receiving a CBE from the Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace, he reflected on how the sport in which he made his name had changed in recent years.

Advances in the technology of motor racing had “taken some of the fun out of it”, he said, adding: “The technology previously was more down to the driver.

“In years gone by you had to be very strong to drive a Formula 1 car because you had no power steering. If you did it wrong years ago you would blow the engine.

“It’s the (new) technology that’s sometimes made some races less interesting.”

Mansell, who clocked up 31 Grand Prix wins during his career, was joined at the Palace by his family.

He professed himself “emotional” at receiving the honour, which was awarded to him for services to children and young people in recognition of his work as president of the charity UK Youth.

Comments

There are 4 comments to this article

Order by:

• Newest first
• |
• Oldest first

Page 1 of 1

• 1
• Show all

4

Irritatingly Intelligent Chauvinist

Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 11:09 AM

The speed limit should be at least 80mph, and higher on some stretches of motorway and certain times. Regarding the number of deaths, the vast majority occur at speeds well below 70mph, usually within towns or cities.

• Report Unsuitable

3

Danielrober2

Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 11:13 PM

Oh come on, some of us are in a hurry. At least lets have a higher speed limit on approved road sections. It really is time to move on technologically and economically.

• Report Unsuitable

2

druidh

Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 10:37 PM

"Former Formula 1 legend Nigel Mansell - WHO LIVES ON THE ISLE OF MAN WHERE THERE ARE NO MOTORWAYS - is backing to plans to raise the speed limit on British motorways to 80mph."

• Report Unsuitable

1

Charles P

Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 07:48 PM

I fear Mr. Mansell may have been 'tired and emotional' when he admits there are far too many accidents on British roads but goes on to advocate an increase of the speed limit to 80 MPH! What happened to the long series of adverts on TV stating quite definitely, "SPEED KILLS!!!!" As President of Youth UK, his statement is totally irresponsible.

• Report Unsuitable

Order by:

• Newest first
• |
• Oldest first

Page 1 of 1

• 1
• Show all

Logged in as:

Comment here. Start typing your comment here:

Post comment

Please adhere to our Community guidelines

Your view

Please sign in to be able to comment on this story.