F1 legend Nigel Mansell backs 80mph speed limit plan

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last autumn, then Transport Secretary Philip Hammond said the current speed limit was nearly 50 years old and was out of date thanks to huge advances in safety and motoring technology.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