Speed limits could be slashed in half from 60mph to just 30mph on major UK routes under radical new rules being outlined by campaigners. A new Parliament petition is demanding limits be reduced on rural roads in the countryside as part of a major update.

Campaigners have suggested that rural routes were "the most dangerous roads" with speed the biggest problem. Previous data from road safety charity Brake found that speed is often a "major factor in rural road crashes". A study of single-carriageway rural roads found that just a 10% increase in average speed can result in a 30% increase in fatal and serious accidents.

Rhiannon Vivian, the founder of the online petition, has stressed the change to the speed limits was vital for road safety.

Rhiannon said: "I think the fact that drivers can legally do 60mph is absolute negligence and shows a disregard for human life. Rural roads account for well over half of all fatal crashes. Cyclists, motorcyclists and car drivers are more than three times as likely to be killed per mile travelled on a rural road than an urban road. Even if you are driving slowly, others may not be. I think this change is urgent."

However, a new rule could impact a significant chunk of the UK network with rural and minor roads accounting for more miles than many may realise. Statistics show there are around 213,800 miles of minor roads in the UK, making up the majority of the road network.

Meanwhile, major roads such as motorways and A roads account for just 31,900 miles. According to previous Government data, 76% of A roads, 81% of B roads, and 58% of C and unclassified roads were deemed to be rural.

The poll needs a staggering 10,000 signatures to receive an official Government response, with just under 1,500 putting their name to the action so far. However, a hefty 100,000 signatures are required for the petition to be considered for debate by MPs in Parliament.

The poll is set to run until the end of November, meaning there are still several months left to sign up.