Frustratingly slow roads where drivers average just 13 mph

A new study has shown that many motorists are forced to drive well below the speed limit on certain roads across the country.

According to data obtained by National Highways, which estimates traffic flow between 2019 and 2023, the average speed of drivers in many parts of the UK was well below 15km/h.

Vehicle parts retailer Ovoko, which responded to average speeds, stated that many drivers have to move slowly, especially in cities.

It explains: “It is clear that driving at the speed limit is challenging, especially in big cities.

“Many urban areas have started to enforce 20 km/h speed limits on all roads for safety reasons, but most people only drive 15 km/h in our cities.”

According to data from National Highways, the slowest traffic in the UK between 2019 and 2023 was in Brighton, with drivers averaging just 13km/h during their journey in the south coast city.

Reading and Nottingham also scored poorly for traffic flow in the survey, with average travel speeds of 13.6mph and 13.8mph respectively.

Many have argued that factors such as increased roadworks and 20km/h speed limits have contributed to the slower speeds.

The figures come after Transport Secretary Louise Haigh announced she would let local authorities decide whether they want to lower speed limits on roads in their area.

He added: “It’s really, really difficult for local authorities when they haven’t got that air defense from the government. And they didn’t have the air defense but the government was actively working against them saying ‘No, you’re not allowed to introduce 20mph zones, no, you are not allowed to enable LTNs [low traffic neighbourhoods]’.

“Such decisions should definitely be made at the local level by the communities, and not dictated or suppressed by the center.”

While the government is pushing for more 20mph zones in built-up areas, there are calls for lower speed limits to be dropped in Wales.

More than 10,500 requests have been made to councils in Wales to review the 20km/h speed limits, which were introduced on around 1,500 roads in September 2023.

Although studies show a 23 percent reduction in serious injuries and deaths since their introduction, some residents have argued that the limit is too restrictive.