Motorway speed limits could vary across the UK

Senior reporter

Monday 2 July 2012

Motorists in Scotland face being told to drive slower than in other parts of the UK as part of a raft of new powers being transferred from Westminster to Holyrood tomorrow.

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GERRY BRAIDEN

Different speed limits on either side of the Border could come into force, with the UK Government planning to raise the current 70mph limit on motorways to 80mph to cut journey times, possibly from 2013.

The Scottish Government is opposed to any attempt to change the limits for the first time since 1965.Ministers have also said proposals to change the drink-drive limit will be opened for consultation in the coming weeks under the recently passed 2012 Scotland Act on changes to devolution.Other new Holyrood responsibilities include limited power over airguns, while Tuesday also marks the formal re-naming of the Scottish Executive as the Scottish Government.While opposition politicians have raised concerns over the confusion and frustration of two legal limits for cross-Border drivers, the Scottish Government's statement of intent has won the backing of road safety campaigners. Government Strategy Secretary Bruce Crawford said ministers were "moving quickly" to make use of the extra responsibilities to benefit the people of Scotland.He said: "On speed limits, these powers will enable the Scottish Government to make the right decisions for Scottish roads rather than have any changes imposed by Westminster. Road safety is our first priority and we have no current plans to increase speed limits."Work is already under way on airguns reform through the work of the Scottish Firearms Consultative Panel. Another meeting will be chaired by Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill over the summer and a consultation will begin in the coming weeks on proposed changes to drink-drive limits."Alex Johnstone, the Scottish Tories transport spokesman, said: "It's a long drive up roads like the M6 and asking Scots to slow down at the Border will only cause confusion and immense frustration. The SNP Government has a very authoritarian attitude to controlling every aspect of our lives, so it's no surprise that they want to restrict speed limits."

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Motorway speed limits could vary across the UK

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