Motorists could see national speed limits changed for first time in 60 years amid landmark petition

The petition, launched by Sorin Glovaci Bitoleanu, called on Labour to align the national speed limit with other European countries and make roads less congested through higher speeds.

The petition stated : "We want the Government to increase the speed limit on dual carriageways and motorways to 80mph.

"We believe modern cars are better equipped than ever with safety features that make them much safer than before.

"We think that the roads are safer when they are less congested, and that there might be fewer accidents on the roads when cars are travelling at higher speeds."

A recent report revealed that 43 per cent of drivers would back changes to the speed limit on major roads.

Nick Zapolski, founder of ChooseMyCar.com, explained that modern-day cars have "improved beyond comparison" in the last 60 years, and yet the motorway limit has remained the same".

"This does seem ludicrous, and it seems many Brits are already driving beyond the limit anyway," he said.

Taking to social media, many drivers have shared their views on why an increased speed limit would ultimately benefit the UK.

One person stated the success of higher limits across Europe, with French motorways operating at 82mph, while Germany has unlimited speeds on Autobahns.

"It isn't speed that kills, it is dangerous driving - driving erratically - driving too close to the vehicle in front, and drink and drug driving," the driver suggested.

She claimedthat travelling at 100mph on an empty motorway with no impairments was safer than driving at 70mph "right up the backside of the car in front".

Another driver warned that stopping distances increase heavily at higher speed limits with "most of us lousy judges of following distance and usually leave too little room".

The driver detailed how higher speeds raise crash risk and severity. "If the goal is to get there quicker and safer on UK roads, the better play is smart, variable limits plus tougher enforcement on tailgating, lane-hogging, and impairment, not just lifting the cap," he said.

Last year, a petition calling for 100mph speed limits received more than 40,000 signatures, prompting the then Conservative Government to respond.

A Department for Transport spokesperson detailed how, while the authority recognised that technology is moving rapidly and that vehicles are much safer than when the current speed limits were first introduced, there are still complexities.

The spokesperson said: "Speed limits are set to achieve a balance between a transport system that is an engine for economic growth, but one that is also greener and safer, and improves the quality of life in our communities.

"The safety of road users is our priority, and any change to speed limits would be evidence-led, looking at the impact on safety, air quality and carbon emissions as well as traffic flow and other road conditions."