Factors determining choice of speed were investigated in the UK using 1000 interviews in Tyneside, Leicester, rural Lincolnshire and Watford in 12 group discussions, in a survey of road safety professionals and in video-drive surveys of 243 drivers in Newcastle and Watford. Most drivers were content with the current 30 and 70 mph speed limits, although 36% of drivers favoured raising the limit on motorways. 40 and 50 mph limits were considered to be applied inconsistently. Apparently similar or identical roads with different speed limits led to disrespect of the system. Most video-surveyed drivers speeded at some stage in their journey, with the speed they drove at being the one they considered appropriate and which they set themselves as an internal speed limit. Excuses used by drivers to justify speeding are given. Most drivers knew when they were speeding and did not consider moderate speeding a dangerous practice. Modern vehicles encouraged speeding because of the quiet comfortable ride and the extra safety features. Driving slowly was associated with old people and women. Drivers in Watford were more in agreement with statements that associate with aggressive driving than drivers in Newcastle, possibly because of higher congestion in Watford. Ways of reducing speeding are discussed. While speed cameras were regarded as worthwhile, a reprimand from a police officer was considered a more effective deterrent. Driver improvement schemes were also considered favourably.
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