Speed limit threat to biking back roads

Britain’s favourite biking roads could have their speed limits slashed as the Government fights to cut the number of deaths in road accidents.

A select committee of MPs has recommended that B-roads have a 50mph limit, which can go as low as 40mph on certain sections.

It is now up to the Government to decide whether to accept the recommendations and make them law.

Its current pro-motorist stance suggests it is reluctant to anger us any more than necessary, but the select committee proposals are worrying. According to national newspaper reports, it wants a complete restructuring of how speed limits are used. They would be along the following lines:

*Single-carriageway A-roads will keep their 60mph limit.

*B-roads will be cut from 60mph to 50mph.

*C-roads will come down from 60mph to just 40mph.

But the limits wouldn’t be set in stone. Twisty sections of A-roads could have 40mph limits and straight sections of B or C roads could be left at 60mph. Sensible move or more Governmental over-reaction? Tell us what you think about the proposal by e-mailing tony.hoare@emap.com