Speed limitIn 1865, a lower speed limit - of 2 mph in town and 4 mph in the country - was imposed in Britain under the Locomotives and Highways Act. The "Red Flag" Act also required three drivers for each vehicle - two on the vehicle and one to walk ahead carrying a red flag. It was repealed in 1896, after nearly two decades of strong support from horse interests. The repeal of the act was celebrated by a 60 mile car run from London to Brighton - at the new and previously illegal speed of 12 mph. That first run is now commemorated each year on the first Sunday in November at 7:30 am. Vehicles built before 1904 take part in the London to Brighton run. Bronze medals are awarded to drivers arriving in Brighton by 4:00 pm. |
