More obeying 30mph speed limits

More motorists are sticking to 30mph speed limits than at any point in the last decade, Department for Transport statistics have revealed.

Driving groups believe this is because of the increasing numbers of speed cameras and a series of hard-hitting road safety campaigns. The rising cost of fuel has also been cited, with drivers lowering their speeds to improve economy.

According to the Department for Transport, 70% of cars travelled at speeds in excess of the 30mph limit in 1997 but this has now fallen below half.

The reduction in speed has also been credited with a fall in road deaths, which dipped below 3000 for the first time since reports began in 1926 last year.