UK Drivers Urged to Limit Speed to 55mph as Part of Effort to Reduce Russian Fuel Dependence

Strategic Insights -

As the UK and its allies in Europe scramble to bolster energy security following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, drivers are being urged to limit their speed to 55mph on motorways and households are being encouraged to turn down their heating to help reduce dependence on Russian fuel. Lord Adair Turner, chair of the Energy Transitions Commission, has suggested that consumers can play a role in helping governments wean their countries off Russian oil and gas by taking simple steps to reduce demand.

Key Takeaways:

  • Drivers should limit their speed to 55mph on motorways to reduce fuel consumption and dependence on Russian oil and gas.
  • Households can help by turning down their heating to conserve energy and reduce demand for Russian gas.
  • The UK is heavily dependent on gas via pipelines from across Europe, with about 40% of its flow coming from Russia.
  • Business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng is "exploring options" to end dependence on Russian gas "altogether".
  • Lord Turner, a former chair of the Climate Change Committee, suggests that reducing energy consumption is an effective way to make an "immediate impact" in the fight against Russian president Vladimir Putin.
  • The most fuel-efficient driving speed varies according to the type of vehicle, but is usually between 45mph and 55mph.
  • The UK government cut the speed limit on some roads in 1974 and doubled the fines for speeding at the height of the oil crisis in a bid to cut fuel consumption.
  • Lord Patrick McLoughlin, a former Tory transport secretary, is skeptical about the effectiveness of compelling people to drive at slower speeds.

Statistics:

  • Russian imports account for about 8% of UK oil demand and about 4% of gas.
  • The UK is sourcing about 40% of its gas from Russia via pipelines from Europe.
  • The International Energy Agency has urged families to lower their heating amidst fears Putin will use gas supplies as a weapon against Europe.
  • The most fuel-efficient driving speed varies between 45mph and 55mph depending on the type of vehicle.
  • In 1974, the UK government cut the speed limit on some roads and doubled the fines for speeding in an effort to cut fuel consumption.

Sources:

  • "Putin thinks the west is rotted by liberalism and won't make the smallest sacrifice to stand up to him" (Financial Times Climate Capital conference in London)
  • "You should always try to drive at the most economically viable rate. But that's for people to make their own decisions, you can't make them." (Lord Patrick McLoughlin, former Tory transport secretary)
  • "Business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said yesterday that his department was 'exploring options' to end dependence on Russian gas 'altogether'" (Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy)
  • "The UK government cut the speed limit on some roads in 1974 and doubled the fines for speeding at the height of the oil crisis in a bid to cut fuel consumption" (Government records)
  • "Russian imports account for about 8% of UK oil demand and about 4% of gas" (Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy)
  • "The most fuel-efficient driving speed varies between 45mph and 55mph depending on the type of vehicle" (Additional reporting by Camilla Hodgson)