70 mph Speed Limit at 60!

 

Introduction of the 70mph Speed Limit on British Roads

60 years ago, on 22 December 1965, the UK government introduced a temporary maximum speed limit of 70 mph (112 km/h) on previously unrestricted roads, including motorways. Initially introduced for a trial period, it was intended to reduce accidents.

Before the mid-1960s, many UK roads, especially motorways, had no national maximum speed limit. Drivers could legally go as fast as conditions allowed, and this was the legal situation on motorways for several years after the M1 opened in 1959.

However,after a series of serious motorway crashes in 1965, particularly in foggy conditions, the UK government decided to act to improve road safety.

The trial limit was initially planned for four months, but as data was collected and analysed, it was extended several times through 1966 as the authorities evaluated its effects.

Following research showing a reduction in casualties during the experimental period, the then Minister of Transport made the 70 mph limit permanent in 1967.

In 1977/1978, the broader National Speed Limit system was formalised, keeping 70 mph on motorways and dual carriageways and setting 60 mph on single carriageways — arrangements that largely persist today.

The principal reason for introducing the 70 mph limit in 1965 was road safety. Motorway crashes, especially under poor visibility, were increasing, and studies at the time suggested that capping top speeds would reduce the number and severity of collisions.

1975 OPEC Siege (the Vienna Hostage Crisis)

Carlos the Jackal

50 years ago, on December 21, 1975, six militants (self-titled as the “Arm of the Arab Revolution” group), led by the Venezuelan militant known as Carlos the Jackal (Ilich Ramírez Sánchez), attacked the OPEC (Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) headquarters in Vienna, Austria. 

In a politically motivated operation, with demands tied to Middle Eastern politics, particularly the Palestinian cause, they took more than 60 hostages, including oil ministers from major producing countries. 

OPEC HQ, Vienna.

After long negotiations, the militants obtained a plane and flew with selected hostages to several destinations, including Algiers and Tripoli. Ultimately, most hostages were released, though three people died—two security guards and a Libyan delegate. 

The incident increased Carlos’s notoriety and highlighted vulnerabilities in international organisations.

The 1975 OPEC siege showed how energy politics and terrorism intersected during the 1970s, intensifiying global concerns about the security of political and economic institutions. It also influenced later anti-terrorism and diplomatic security policies.

Today Marks the Tenth Anniversary of Football Pundit Jimmy Hill's Death.

Jimmy Hill, the well-known English footballer, manager and TV broadcaster, died on 19 December 2015 at the age of 87 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He passed away peacefully with his wife by his side.

One of the most influential figures in English football, Hill is remembered for achievements both on and off the pitch — from campaigning to abolish the maximum wage, managing Coventry City, to presenting Match of the Day on BBC television over many years. 

Born on 22 July 1928, he was a Crystal Palace supporter as a boy and played as an inside forward for Brentford, Fulham, Coventry City and Newcastle United, amongst others.

As a player in 1957, he became the PFA Chairman and pushed for the end of the £20 minimum wage, which happened in 1961. 

After retiring as a player, at the age of 33, he took over the reins as manager of Coventry City, leading them to promotions, before leaving the club to pursue a career as a TV pundit.

As a broadcaster, he became a pioneering football TV pundit and presenter for both the BBC and ITV, famous for his outspoken views and innovative analysis. He popularised modern football coverage on TV, including tactical discussion along with his iconic big chin caricature.

25 Years Since Kirsty MacColl Was Killed.

English singer-songwriter Kirsty MacColl died in a tragic accident, 25 years ago today on 18 December 2000, while on holiday in Cozumel, Mexico.

She, her partner, and her two teenage sons were diving at the Chankanaab reef, which was off-limits to boats.

A powerboat entered the restricted zone at high speed as the group surfaced from a dive, and Kirsty saved her son from harm by pushing him aside.

Tragically, she was then struck by the boat itself, suffering severe chest and head injuries, and died instantly, at the age of 41.

Her body was later returned to the UK and cremated following a service at Mortlake Crematorium in Kew.

The accident resulted in a culpable homicide conviction for local deckhand José Cen Yam, but under Mexican law, he was allowed to avoid prison by paying a fine and damages.

However, he was seen as a scapegoat by MacColl's family, who believed the boat's wealthy owner (Carlos González Nova) was actually driving and should have been held responsible.

Kirsty MacColl is fondly remembered for her distinctive voice and songwriting, and particularly at this time of year for her vocal performance on The Pogues’ Christmas classic “Fairytale of New York.”

The Death of Venezuelan Dictator Juan Vicente Gómez.

Juan Vicente Gómez, the long-time dictator of Venezuela, died 90 years ago today, on December 17, 1935, in Maracay, Venezuela.

Gómez, who ruled for 27 years, died aged 78, of natural causes after a prolonged illness.

His death marked the end of a 27-year authoritarian regime and opened the way for cautious political reforms under his successor, Eleazar López Contreras. Gómez’s rule was characterized by political repression, but also by state consolidation and the early development of Venezuela’s oil economy.

After the 1914 Lake Maracaibo oil discovery, President Gómez cut Venezuela's huge debt by giving foreign oil companies concessions. Consequently, he gained backing from the US, Europe, and financial stability.

Jane Austen - 250 Years On.

Today is the 250th anniversary of the birth of British novelist Jane Austen.

Famous for writing Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey & Persuasion, she was born on 16th December 1775 in the village of Steventon, close to Basingstoke, Hampshire. England.

Austen wrote about marriage, money, class, and morality, often with irony and subtle humour. She was a major figure in the shift from 1700s literature to today's novels, and she wrote about bright women dealing with societal limits.

She passed away at the young age of 41 in Winchester, Hampshire, on 18th July 1817.

Her work remains widely read, adapted into films and series, and influential in literature and popular culture.

Ernie Wise - 100 Years On

Today, Thursday, November 27th, marks a century since Ernie Wise was born.

Morecambe and Wise

Ernest Wiseman, (known by his stage name of Ernie Wise), was half of the British comedy double act Morecambe and Wise, who were a national institution on UK TV.

Born in Leeds, he met Eric Morecambe (then known as Eric Bartholomew) in 1940, when touring in the Jack Hylton show "Youth Takes a Bow." 

Following a successful audition, the 14-year-old Eric was invited to join the cast of the touring show "Youth Takes a Bow" at the Nottingham Empire.

Ernie Wise (then Ernest Wiseman), aged 13 and already an experienced performer, was also a cast member, having been a protegee of Hylton for some time. 

They formed a close friendship and subsequently became a comedy double act, going on up until Morecambe's death in 1984.

Their Christmas TV shows were legendary and became a staple of BBC's Holiday schedule.

Ernie Wise commemorative statue in Morley, West Yorkshire

Ernie died from heart failure in March 1999 at the age of 73.