Lou's women on the motorway speed limit

In 2011 we expressed our fears over plans to increase the motorway speed limit to 80mph.

With one or two exceptions, our panel was against it on the grounds that, as many drivers already add 10mph to the speed limit, that would lead to 90mph being the norm and even the full ton becoming more acceptable.

And we found that seriously scary.

Now we hear that the ministers have put the brakes on those plans to up the limit - partly because they fear it would alienate women voters.

While 63 per cent of the 13,000 motorists surveyed were in favour of the higher limit, 41 per cent of the women polled were against it.

Apparently the logic behind upping the limit was to restore the moral legitimacy of the system because of the flagrant disregard for the existing limit.

But, rather than give in to mass law-breaking by the speed kings, wouldn't it be wiser, in the interests of road safety, to just police the limit more closely?

And if, as was claimed, part of the reason for a hike in the limit was to cut journey times and save businesses money, wouldn't it be better to do more to ensure a smoother flow of traffic?

So often even going at 70mph is an elusive dream as we sit in jams caused by roadworks - or in the heartbreaking aftermath of a fatal crash, created too often by fools travelling too fast.

So, thank heavens the voice of female reason has prevailed.

Read the comments of other Lou's Women - and have your say - below.

Elaine James, from Cookley, near Kidderminster, says: "I thought most people did 80 mph on the motorway anyway so I don't know what the problem is. Perhaps they should focus more on important subjects like bringing our soldiers out of Afghanistan and benefit fraud. One thing I really hate is my hard earned tax payers money going to lost causes."

Zumba teacher Lou Thomas, from Kinver, says: "I think the Government lost my vote a long time ago! But I don't agree with raising the speed limit. 70 means 80/ 90 to many drivers - I suspect mainly macho men - so 80 would be giving the go ahead for even more crazy dangerous driving."

Wombourne conservationist Sheena Hamilton says: "Women are the voice of reason and I'm glad they've listened to us. I don't drive and, as a passenger, I don't like it when I'm driven too fast. It's mayhem on the motorways as it is - lorries in particular. Women are more sensible and see the dangers more easily."

Chess supreme Julie Wilson, of Stourbridge, says: "You're lucky if you can do 70mph on most motorways I go on anyway and I think they should sort that out first."

Jacqui Edwards, from Stourbridge, says: " I would wholeheartedly agree with the speed limit being increased to 80mph the idea it would alienate female voters is ridiculous.I firmly believe that you become a better driver with experience especially with motorway driving. As long as the driver is competent then there should be no issues. Maybe if the speed limit was increased to 80 then you wouldn't have as many people being caught speeding on the motorway?"