A report by the Highways Agency has suggested that the 70mph speed limit should be increased to 78mph.
The department said that such an alteration would reduce the impact of delays on Britain’s motorways and allow motorists to benefit from quicker journeys without jeopardising safety.
Following the publication of the report, which was carried out by the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL), the Association of British Drivers (ABD) immediately called for the limit to be increased to 80mph, saying there were "no more excuses".
Mark McArthur-Christie, policy director for the ABD, said that the current speed limit is outdated and ineffective, as so many drivers regularly break it.
"The 70mph speed limit has been with us for over 40 years and this report from TRL clearly shows that it is well past its sell-by date," Mr McArthur-Christie commented.
"With 57 per cent of car drivers routinely breaking this archaic limit, there can be no more excuses for refusing to raise the limit to 80mph immediately, in line with most European countries."
The Department for Transport has said that it will consider the findings of the investigation.
