UK speed limit to hit 80mph

The speed limit on Britain's motorways will increase from 70mph to 80mph following announcements at this week's Conservative Party Conference.

According to Transport Secretary Philip Hammond, a consultation on the increase will be launched later this year with a view to making it law in 2013.

"Britain's roads should be the arteries of a healthy economy and cars are a vital lifeline for many," said Mr Hammond.

"This government has already scrapped the M4 bus lane, cut central government funding for money-making speed cameras and announced new measures to crack down on boy racers and reckless drivers while standing up for the decent majority," he said.

"Increasing the motorway speed limit to 80mph would generate economic benefits of hundreds of millions of pounds through shorter journey times. So we will consult later this year on raising the limit to get Britain moving."

Under the changes, the number of 20mph inner-city zones will also increase but even so, the motorway hike is likely to be met by stiff opposition from road safety campaigners.

"The government should be looking to reduce the number of deaths and injuries on our road not putting forward proposals which are likely to increase them," said Ellen Booth of the campaign group Brake.