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Road Safety Bill [HL]

I agree with where my noble friend is coming from. The fact is that the police accept 80 miles per hour in good conditions, yet they have the ability to prosecute on the absolute offence of 70 miles per hour if they detect a motorist driving at 80 in bad conditions. That is the reality, but of course it is also an uncertainty. It would be better to follow the good example of the variable speed limits on the M25. I would not have an upper legal speed limit, but would use variable speed limits on all motorways. It would make for more comfortable motoring, and probably reduce congestion by eliminating problems like bunching—because it might be appropriate, for reasons of congestion, to stick to a constant 50 miles per hour. But then, the speed limits which are shown as variable should be strictly enforced. At the moment, we have an uncertain situation. Is it legal to go at 80 miles per hour on the motorway, or not? It is not legal, but the police tolerate it. To an extent, the principle is linked with my amendment about the electronic speed limits. It is a similar issue.