40mph default speed limit on country lanes

That this House notes with concern that rural roads account for around 60% of all road fatalities in the UK, with an average of three people killed every day on country lanes; recognises that the current national speed limit of 60mph on single carriageway unlit country roads is often unsafe given their narrow width, sharp bends, limited visibility, and vulnerability of pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and farm traffic; further notes that many of these roads are not designed for high-speed motor traffic and that excessive speed significantly increases both the likelihood and severity of collisions; acknowledges the growing public support for safer speed limits on rural roads; also notes that country lanes can be designated and have signage to increase speed limits or reduce speed limits where appropriate; and therefore calls on the Government to make the default speed limit on country lanes 40mph, with local authorities retaining the power to set higher or lower limits where appropriate, in order to improve safety, reduce casualties, and encourage more sustainable and active travel in rural communities.