Speed limit for tanks could increase to 40mph

The speed limit for British army tanks and other armoured vehicles could be increased to 40mph.

The government has launched a consultation on plans to increase the speed limit which is currently restricted to a maximum speed of 20mph under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

Actual operating speeds will still depend on careful risk assessments by the military and specific vehicle capabilities.

According to the Department for Transport (DfT) plans under consultation will help address congestion that can be created by slow-moving vehicles on faster roads. Increasing the maximum speed limit to 40mph will also reduce costs of higher fuel consumption and the time taken for training and testing when vehicles are limited to 20mph.

The consultation runs until 24 April 2015.