Government Considers Lower Speed Limits on Rural Roads to Improve Safety

The Department for Transport (DfT) has outlined plans to review speed limits across large parts of England’s road network, with potential changes affecting nearly 200,000 miles of roads.

The move comes amid growing concerns about safety on rural routes, where motorists are significantly more likely to be involved in serious or fatal collisions compared to motorways.

Current national limits of 60mph often apply to narrow, winding roads, raising concerns for drivers as well as vulnerable users such as cyclists and horse riders.

Review of Rural Speed Limits

The issue was raised in Parliament by Liberal Democrat MP Dr Roz Savage, who asked whether the government had considered introducing lower default speed limits on unclassified rural roads.

In response, Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood confirmed that updated guidance for local authorities is being developed, alongside broader consideration of national policy changes.

She highlighted that existing rules already allow local authorities to introduce lower speed limits where appropriate, depending on factors such as road layout, safety risks and the surrounding environment.

Focus on Safer Road Classifications

The government’s Road Safety Strategy, published in January 2026, also includes plans to review how rural roads are defined and categorised. Officials believe that clearer classifications could help target safety measures more effectively and ensure resources are focused on the highest-risk areas.

Data shows that rural roads remain the most dangerous parts of the network. In 2024, they accounted for around 60% of all road fatalities in England, despite carrying less than half of total traffic. By contrast, motorways and major A-roads—part of the Strategic Road Network—record significantly lower casualty rates.

Targeted Interventions Under Consideration

Research by the RAC Foundation has highlighted the complexity of rural road networks, identifying multiple distinct types of roads rather than a single category. This more detailed approach could support more tailored safety interventions, rather than a one-size-fits-all policy.

Experts suggest that better classification could enable engineers and emergency services to identify risks more accurately and implement appropriate measures, including speed reductions where needed.

Local Authority Role Remains Key

The DfT reiterated that local councils already have the authority to reduce speed limits in rural areas if conditions warrant it. Updated guidance, expected as part of the current strategy, will aim to provide clearer direction on how and when to apply these powers.

While no immediate nationwide change has been confirmed, the government’s ongoing review signals a shift towards a more flexible and safety-focused approach to managing rural road speeds.