Auto Trader Blog

It is no half measure to suggest that Gordon Brown is a busy man.

Aside from the small matter of running the country and the daily grind of politics, Mr Brown must also attend to the numerous petitions springing up on a daily basis, allowing members of the public to instigate change, correct perceived injustices and save society!

One such example is the petition to increase the national speed limit on motorways to 80mph, submitted by Greg Dykes.

Mr Dykes contends: “With the onslaught of static and mobile speed control cameras operated by the local authority or police, sensible drivers are continually penalised to the point of persecution and are regarded by local government as an easy source of revenue.”

So far, the petition has garnered 140 signatures - members of the public have until March 2008 to register their support.

Mr Dykes is certainly hoping to emulate the success of the now infamous road pricing petition - which received a massive 1.8 million signatures, and even got a response from former Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Taking a quick trawl through the petitions homepage uncovered a range of transport-related petitions - some more eccentric than others.

Block the ban on sports exhausts – 258 signatures

Mr James Bright has politely requested Gordon Brown to ignore upcoming EU regulations on noise pollution, suggesting it will hit the aftermarket exhaust industry in the tailpipes.

Crush and destroy cars whose owners who are found to not have car tax and/or insurance – 70 signatures

This suggestion comes from Jason who wants draconian measures to curb drivers without tax and insurance.

The UK should drive on the right hand side – 69 signatures

Submitted by Tim Overdiek, this no-nonsense petition speaks for itself.

Promote the use of older cars – 63 signatures

A new take on the green issue, this petition – submitted by Robin Clayton – argues “Every new car takes a massive amount of energy and resources to produce and transport. Maintaining older cars therefore helps the environment even if some may produce slightly more pollutants.”

Reduce traffic congestion, improve public transport and save money – 1 signature

A three-pronged approach from Mr Thomas Jeffery Tomlinson, who wants to see railways scrapped and paved over for HGVs and buses, taking them straight into town and city centres.

What would you like to petition on? Have you set up a signed petition?

Signature numbers correct at time of writing.