Speed limits of just 2 mph in towns and 4 mph in the country were imposed in Britain under the Locomotives on Highways Act to improve the safety of horse-drawn vehicles against the steam-engined vehicles that were becoming increasingly popular on the roads


Wednesday 5th July 1865

Speed limits of just 2 mph in towns and 4 mph in the country were imposed in Britain under the Locomotives on Highways Act to improve the safety of horse-drawn vehicles against the steam-engined vehicles that were becoming increasingly popular on the roads. It was known as the ‘Red Flag’ Act because it also required three drivers for each vehicle, two on the vehicle and one to walk ahead carrying a red flag. It was eventually repealed in 1896, after nearly three decades of strong support from horse interests.


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