Manufacturer Vehicle Speed Restrictions

Vehicle technology has evolved remarkably over the decades, especially with the widespread adoption of EVs in recent years. Driver safety, comfort and assistance features as well as vehicle reliability have improved beyond all recognition from vehicles that were produced in the mid- to late- 20th Century.

Correspondingly, vehicle acceleration and top speeds have progressed as many manufacturers today produce road cars that can reach 60mph in under 5 seconds, and speeds in excess of 150mph, more than double the current speed limit.

But what purpose does performance like this serve, unless you are using your vehicle for legal track days and racing?

There are very few products that are specifically designed to break the law and are still sold legally, or without significant restrictions at the very least, so why should road vehicles be allowed to do this, when they are one of the most ubiquitous and potentially dangerous products available?

We therefore propose that all new UK vehicles be limited by manufacturers to a maximum top speed of 100mph and maximum acceleration of 0-60mph in 5 seconds.

Overview of our Proposal

Current Situation

While we are proposing a potential amendment to it, the maximum allowed speed anywhere on UK roads is currently 70mph.

Almost all UK vehicles are capable of exceeding this speed, but many are able to double it, or more.

This makes no sense, unless the vehicle is being used for authorised racing or track activities.

Many also have dangerously powerful engines delivering phenomenal acceleration to tonnes of solid metal.

It is an invitation for some to drive at excessive speeds, or to risk reckless overtaking, causing accidents and possible death or injury to themselves, or other road users, and gives a potential advantage to criminals over some police vehicles.

Proposal

We propose that all new UK vehicles be limited by manufacturers to a maximum top speed of 100mph and maximum acceleration of 0-60mph in 5 seconds.

Over time, we would also require these manufacturer's adjustments be applied retrospectively for all currently registered vehicles.

The status of such adjustments can be checked as part of vehicles' annual MOT checks to ensure they have not been reversed, and any car found at any time to have been de-restricted that is not registered for an exemption can be immediately seized and destroyed, or re-adjusted and re-sold, with the government retaining the net income.

Exceptions

Vehicles may be registered with the DVLA as a dual road/track vehicle.

Such registration will need to be renewed annually, the vehicle fitted with a monitoring device and actually be used in track events at least once a year.

If so registered, then no performance restrictions are required on the vehicle.

Any such car found at any time to exceed any speed limit by more than ten miles an hour can be immediately seized and destroyed, or adjusted and re-sold, with the government retaining the net income.

Impact

We believe that this approach, combined with our proposed increase in motorway speed limits, will be accepted as reasonable and proportionate by the vast majority of road users.

The result should be safer roads and fewer accidents, as well as a shift in mindset for vehicle manufacturers to invest in new fuel efficiency and comfort & safety features to differentiate their vehicles from their competitors.

It should help with reducing noise and air pollution as oversize engines become less common on our roads, and will allow unrestricted police vehicles to have an advantage in most pursuit scenarios.