An 80 miles per hour speed limit on motorways is possible and only social acceptability is preventing the increase, according to the head of Highways England.

Jim O’Sullivan, the chief executive of the state company tasked with managing motorways and major A roads in England, said parts of the strategic road network could operate above the current 70mph limit but “public opinion” was stopping the change.

Mr O’Sullivan also said classic cars could be banned from fully-automated motorways and other main roads in 30 years’ time because they will be unable to communicate with autonomous vehicles and make journeys “hazardous” to other motorists.

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