Former champ backs call for 80mph limit

FORMER Formula 1 world champion Nigel Mansell has lent his support 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 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issue last autumn, then transport secretary Philip Hammond said the current speed limit was nearly 50 years old and was out of date thanks to huge advances in safety and motoring technology.

Mr Mansell spoke after receiving a CBE from the Prince of Wales yesterday, awarded to him for services to children and young people as the president of the charity UK Youth. He professed himself “emotional” at receiving the honour