Motorists in the UK could face significant changes on motorway journeys as the government reportedly considers cutting the national speed limit to 60mph amid fears of fuel shortages linked to the Iran war.
Government Considers Temporary Reduction
The measure is among options being weighed by the government to preserve fuel should the crisis in the Middle East persist for weeks or months. If implemented, it would temporarily scrap the 70mph national speed limit on major motorways such as the M6, M5, and M1.
Fuel Efficiency Gains
The rationale behind the proposed reduction is that slower traffic would reduce fuel consumption, easing demand for petrol and diesel if stocks run low. Shortages have already been reported at some garages since the onset of the Iran war and the blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
A spokesperson for Interfuels explained: "Fuel use increases significantly at higher speeds, so even a relatively small reduction can lead to noticeable savings. In a supply crunch, these marginal gains become much more important."
They added: "Cutting motorway speeds from 70mph to around 60mph can improve fuel efficiency by roughly 10 per cent, depending on the vehicle. For longer journeys, that translates into real savings, even if they appear modest on a single trip."
Additional Measures Suggested
The expert also highlighted the benefits of working from home: "Working from home, even partially, is another effective way to reduce fuel consumption. Fewer commutes mean lower overall demand, which helps stabilise supply during periods of strain."
Shortages can escalate quickly if public confidence drops, leading to panic-buying that accelerates the problem. The spokesperson stressed: "Clear guidance helps prevent unnecessary demand spikes. If people understand the situation and trust the response, they are less likely to rush to fill up."
The proposed speed limit change would represent a dramatic intervention, temporarily altering driving habits on some of the busiest roads in the country. No official announcement has been made, but the idea remains under active consideration as the geopolitical situation evolves.
