Road safety body PACTS has proposed reducing UK speed limits by 10mph, which would see dual carriageways drop from 70mph to 60mph and single carriageways from 60mph to 50mph, as well as blanket 20mph zones across towns and villages

While largely driven by legislation, car manufacturers are continuously striving to make their vehicles safer. Whether through improved crumple zones, enhanced airbags or better seating, the goal is to make any potential accident more survivable.

Yet there remains one factor entirely beyond their control: speed. This is precisely why speed limits exist across the globe.

The faster a vehicle is travelling at the point of impact, the greater the energy involved, and consequently the higher the likelihood of serious injury to those caught up in it.

In recent years, 20mph zones have sprung up across the UK in villages, towns and cities where hazard levels are particularly high.

Now, a proposal put forward to the House of Commons Transport Select Committee by the independent Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) could shake things up considerably.

Alongside suggesting blanket 20mph zones — largely to cut costs on signage — the advisory body also declared it was in favour of slashing national speed limits by 10mph.

This would mean dual carriageway speed limits dropping from 70mph to 60mph, while single carriageways would fall from 60mph to 50mph.

However, Auto Express reports that regarding the reduction of speed limits on dual carriageways from 70mph to 60mph, the body caveated it by saying this would be the case “where the infrastructure would not support the survivability of people travelling at those speeds if they were involved in a collision”.

While cuts to speed limits on dual carriageways and single carriageways would have a significant impact on motorists, focus remained firmly on the blanket 20mph zones.

PACTS executive director Jamie Hassall suggested it was a matter of reframing the debate.

He said: “It’s about getting everyone in the country to understand what the benefits are.” Those benefits included helping children travel to school more safely, something he maintained the public were broadly in favour of, reports the Express.

Advertisement

This is far from the first time a reduction in speed limits has been on the agenda.

Following the war in Iran sending oil prices soaring to their highest level since the outbreak of the Ukraine war, suggestions emerged that drivers should begin travelling at slower speeds.

Indeed, think tank the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) went as far as proposing that speed limits should be lowered to assist motorists — a measure that ultimately never came to fruition.

Nevertheless, the think tank did suggest that the public ought to be advised on how to drive more economically.

Speaking earlier this year, senior economist at the think tank William Ellis told the Guardian: “The UK cannot afford to sit back and let another energy shock drive up inflation and damage the economy.

“The UK economy and public finances are expected to take a significant hit from the Iran conflict, regardless of whether the government intervenes.”

As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our
articles.

Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local
services.

These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience – the local
community.

It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need
as much support as possible during these challenging times.

Louise Thompson has taken fierce aim at Euphoria over a controversial moment that features a stoma bag, describing it as ‘upsetting’ and ‘pretty rank’.

The final season of the drama – which came to an end last week – has made headlines throughout its eight-episode run, with viewers criticising its ‘disturbing’ and ‘vulgar’ scenes.

In the penultimate episode, crime kingpin Alamo Brown (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) is speaking to his employee Big Eddy (Kadeem Hardison), who has a stoma bag after surviving a gunshot to the abdomen.

A stoma bag is a medical device that’s used to collect bodily waste and is worn over the stoma, an opening that’s been made in the abdomen.

There are several reasons why a person might need to wear a stoma bag, such as if they’ve been diagnosed with colon cancer, if they’ve suffered an injury to the abdomen or if they have a severe case of inflammatory bowel disease.

In the Euphoria scene, Big Eddy reveals that his stomach has been stapled closed and that he’s now wearing a stoma bag, with Alamo calling the device a ‘s**t bag’ and telling his associate: ‘Don’t be showing that to no motherf***er. Nasty.’

In April 2024, former Made In Chelsea star Louise revealed that she was wearing a stoma bag, having previously been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis.

At the time, she wrote: ‘Isn’t it bizarre that this little grey pouch is the price I pay for good health! I say good riddance to that nasty menacing colon!’

Two years later, she has spoken out against Euphoria’s depiction of a character mocking and insulting the use of a stoma bag, questioning if it’s a ‘tad irresponsible’.

Speaking in an Instagram video, she explained that while she’s never watched the drama before, many people have sent her the clip of the scene between Alamo and Eddy.

‘I’m going to direct quote some of the lines in this series, because I’d love to get your thoughts on them. So, he says, “That there’s a s**t bag, huh? All these staples look like railroad tracks, cover that s**t up, that’s nasty. Don’t be showing that to no motherf***er,”’ she said.

‘Obviously, my acting is not very good, and these aren’t exactly words that roll off my tongue, but I’ve been thinking about how I feel about it, because I don’t think it’s that simple.’

The 36-year-old acknowledged that in her opinion, it’s ‘quite progressive’ for HBO to have featured a stoma bag on a major TV show.

‘I don’t know whether that would have kind of existed on TV 10 years ago. I think that it’s important for people to be exposed to these sorts of things that over 100,000 people in this country live with,’ she stated.

However, Louise then continued: ‘I don’t think that the terminology that is used is very appropriate. The framing, the disgust, the “cover that s**t up”, instead of it feeling like representation and fair representation, instead it slightly feels like we’re using someone’s horrendous medical circumstances as a punchline, and I’m not sure how that sits with me, because I only have to think about my former self.’

Louise explained that she was ‘incredibly insecure’ when she was a teenager and ‘struggled with body confidence’, so if she’d had her surgery when she was younger and then seen this scene, it would have ‘made everything 10 times worse for me’.

‘And I also wonder whether it encourages certain people who don’t know better, who might watch that show, to kind of nod along and be like, “Yeah, that is really disgusting.” And then there’s maybe the risk that those people will go and actually feel that in public when faced with meeting somebody that does have a stoma bag,’ she continued.

All Creatures Great and Small fans have been treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the season season filming of the Channel 5 drama

Samuel West has treated fans to behind-the-scenes glimpses from the seventh series of All Creatures Great and Small.

The beloved period drama has secured a double commission for series seven and eight, with each comprising six hour-long episodes and a Christmas Special. While a transmission date remains unconfirmed, production on the new instalments began in February.

The seventh series of All Creatures Great and Small, adapted from James Herriot’s books documenting his experiences as a veterinary surgeon in the Yorkshire countryside, is anticipated to continue from the 2025 festive special.

Given that new series have arrived annually since 2020, with series five launching in September and series one in October, fresh episodes could potentially debut in autumn, reports the Mirror.

On Friday (June 5), Samuel West, who portrays Siegfried Farnon, offered fans a glimpse into filming for series seven, sharing photographs of his fellow cast members.

In one image posted on X, Callum Woodhouse, who plays Siegfried’s brother Tristan, is seen in full period attire, seemingly taking a break from filming.

Callum beams warmly at the camera while seated in a plush armchair beneath a lamp, with one foot resting on a stool and a coat draped across his legs. Samuel captioned the post: “Callum, comfy.”

In another photograph, Rachel Shenton, who plays Helen Herriot, looked tired as she sat on a wooden chair, her head resting on one hand, eyes shut.

She cuts an elegant figure, dressed in a striking red blouse tucked into a lengthy navy blue skirt with brown shoes. Samuel playfully wrote beneath the post: “Tell me you’ve got a one-year-old without telling me you’ve got a one-year-old #1: Rach.”

Additional photographs featured scenes of the stunning Yorkshire landscape and members of the production crew. In another charming image, Samuel is seen cradling a tiny creature in both hands while beaming affectionately.

He’s attired in Siegfried’s signature tweed three-piece ensemble, complemented by a crimson tie, with his hair swept backwards. A traditional timepiece adorns his wrist.

“And finally, the real star of the show. Plus some guy in a suit”, he wrote alongside the photograph, sparking enthusiasm amongst supporters for the forthcoming episodes.

In the comments section, admirers expressed their anticipation for the new instalments, with one individual posting: “Can’t wait for you guys to grace my screen. In a world of disarray, you and the cast of ACGAS are a breath of fresh air. Plus you are kinda sorta cute.”

Another declared: “The rat and you aside, I adore the love for detail in your costume. The wrist watch is a piece of beauty.”

A third proclaimed: “We love you, Sam! Thank you for sharing these photos!”, while another contributed: “Thank you so much for all the amazing photos.”

“These photos are so wholesome, thank you for sharing. Bring on S7!”, remarked another supporter.

Advertisement

What will season 7 be about?

While Channel 5 remains tight-lipped about the storyline for All Creatures Great and Small’s seventh series, Greg Barnett, the broadcaster’s Commissioning Editor, has hinted at “many new stories still to tell and more unforgettable adventures ahead”.

Barnett commented: “All Creatures Great and Small is a jewel in 5’s drama crown and continues to delight viewers year after year. Its warmth, humour and heart, set against the beauty of Yorkshire, have made it a firm audience favourite.

“We’re thrilled to extend its future with two more series, with many new stories still to tell and more unforgettable adventures ahead for our Skeldale family.”

All Creatures Great and Small is available to stream on channel5.com.

Gary Neville has responded to Manchester United fan criticism over his punditry

Gary Neville says he’d sit and watch Manchester United matches in the stands if Sky Sports instructed him to cease covering fixtures following accusations from supporters. Former United colleague Rio Ferdinand told Neville that certain fans he’d encountered felt the ex-right-back displayed diminished passion for United.

Neville remains a polarising figure amongst football supporters, with some claiming he favours his former club, while United fans believe he’s occasionally overly critical of them. The 51-year-old acknowledges he may have misjudged the balance over the past decade.

On the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Ferdinand said to Neville: “I spoke to a few United fans. Quite a few of them were saying ‘ask him why he shows less passion and positivity about us now as a pundit?’”

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

Neville responded: “It’s a balance though Rio, isn’t it? It’s like, do I want City to win the league? I absolutely don’t want City anywhere near the league title.

“I’ll say it on here now. I don’t want City or Liverpool to ever win a game of football again. I genuinely don’t. But do you know something, to be a professional and do the very best, sometimes I maybe don’t get the balance right with United.

“United are the hardest games I do. People might think that I’m more critical of United when they don’t play well. Sometimes, over the last maybe ten years, the balance, maybe I’ve not got it right.

“If they said ‘to me don’t cover United games for Sky, let me just sit in the stand and watch them.’ I’d say yeah, all day long but I still do the games. It’s difficult.”

Advertisement

Neville also addressed the future of Cole Palmer, who has been connected with a switch to Manchester United from Chelsea. He stated he would be delighted to see the forward arrive at Old Trafford but acknowledged the deal is improbable.

“I do like the signings of [Matheus] Cunha and [Bryan] Mbeumo last summer because they’ve had that grounding in the Premier League,” said Neville.

“They weren’t ‘gold’ but there was a removal of risk because they’d played in the Premier League and they were stepping up a level and they were young and hungry.

“‘Those type of signings are good. There’s talk of Cole Palmer and that looks like a signing that could be gold for Manchester United if he came to Old Trafford.

“I don’t think it would happen though, I think Chelsea will hang onto him. But there’s very few signings like that available, it’s only every few years that these type of players become available.”

Upgrade your World Cup TV setup with the Sky Glass ‘designed for football’

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

from £4.50

Sky

Get the deal here

Sky is knocking 20% off its entire range of Glass TVs to mark the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Until June 17, shoppers can upgrade to the Sky smart TV that’s ‘designed for football’ from £4.50 per month when taken alongside a Sky TV and Netflix package.

Advertisement

For those weighing up options such as university, college, employment or alternative routes, volunteering can provide a flexible and meaningful way to explore interests and build experience.

Young people across North Lanarkshire are being encouraged to consider volunteering as they plan their next steps after leaving school.

For those weighing up options such as university, college, employment or alternative routes, volunteering can provide a flexible and meaningful way to explore interests and build experience.

And for those not yet sure what they want to do after leaving school, volunteering can allow you to meet new people, gain confidence and open your mind up to possible next steps. Volunteering is a positive post-school destination for all young people.

A wide range of opportunities are available locally, from helping at events and supporting younger children to getting involved in sport, community projects and environmental improvements.

Taking part can help young people develop important skills that employers value, including teamwork, communication and leadership, while also building confidence and gaining practical, real-life experience.

Councillor Michael McBride, Convener of Education, said: “As our young people look to the future, it’s important they feel confident and supported in choosing the path that’s right for them.

“Volunteering offers a great opportunity to try new things, gain experience and develop the skills that will help them move forward, whether that’s into further education, training or employment. It also allows them to give something back to their communities, which is hugely valuable.”

Volunteering opportunities are designed to be flexible, making it easier for young people to take part alongside job searching, study or other commitments.

*Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.

And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.

Aubrey Plaza proudly cradled her baby bump as she and partner Christopher Abbott made their first official red carpet appearance as a couple last night.

Attending the 79th Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York, the White Lotus actress, 41, beamed as she stood beside Girls actor Christopher, 40.

The Parks and Recreation favourite confirmed in April that she was expecting her first child, having dipped out of the limelight and away from social media when her husband, Jeff Baena, 47, died by suicide in January 2025.

Aubrey, who had quietly separated from Baena in September 2024 but remained in contact with him, already knew Christopher, having worked with him on Black Bear (2020) and the play Danny and the Deep Blue Sea.

It’s believed the couple got together last summer, and they certainly seemed every inch the excited expectant parents on Sunday night.

Aubrey looked gorgeous in a black and white pinstriped dress with spaghetti straps, which hugged her growing belly.

She styled her brunette locks in loose waves and complemented her red nails with a matching lip gloss shade, utterly glowing as she posed for photographers.

Christopher, who has starred in Poor Things (2023) and Apple TV series The Crowded Room, meanwhile, put in a dapper appearance, matching his other half in a black velvet suit and white shirt.

He attended the prestigious Broadway award ceremony as a nominee for best featured actor, having played Willy Loman’s son, Biff, in Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman. The award ultimately went to Becky Shaw performer Alden Ehrenreich.

The couple’s award show outing comes after Aubrey appeared to let slip the sex of her baby.

During a sweet red carpet moment with Susan Sarandon at the Tribeca Festival premiere of The Accompanist, the Happiest Season star lifted her top to show a giddy Susan her tummy.

As she did, Susan, 79, appeared to ask what she was having, with footage capturing Aubrey replying with, ‘It’s a girl.’

When her pregnancy was confirmed in spring, an insider told People that Aubrey and Christopher ‘feel very blessed’.

‘It was a beautiful surprise after an emotional year,’ they added.

Aubrey hasn’t spoken in much detail about the aftermath of Baena’s death since he was found at home near the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles.

Initially, she and the late director’s family released a brief joint statement reading: ‘This is an unimaginable tragedy.

‘We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time.’

Aubrey then briefly appeared on Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary special last February, paying a subtle tribute to Baena by wearing a tie-dye shirt, just like they did for their wedding.

In a 2021 appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, Aubrey had shared that she and Baena ‘got married on a whim’ in their backyard, explaining that Baena took on tie-dyeing as a hobby in the pandemic.

Last August, Aubrey opened up more, appearing on former co-star Amy Poehler’s award-winning Good Hang podcast, on which she shared: ‘Right in this very, very present moment, I feel happy to be with you. Overall, I’m here, and I’m functioning.’

Aubrey added that she felt ‘OK’ and was ‘very grateful to be moving through the world’.

‘At all times, there’s a giant ocean of just awfulness that’s just right there, and I can see it,’ she then explained of her grief.

‘Sometimes I just want to dive into it and be in it. And sometimes I look at it, and sometimes I just try to get away from it, but it’s always there.’

Advertisement

Fans of the actress, who married Baena on their 10th anniversary in 2021, have been passionately defending her over recent months against criticism that she ‘moved on too quickly’ after Baena died.

A viral post bluntly concluded that ‘she didn’t even wait six months before getting a new partner,’ while trolls cruelly wrote that she mourned for ‘a week’.

Plenty of people had remarks of their own to fire back with, arguing that Aubrey cannot be ‘miserable for life’.

Fans also explained that ‘people have different ways of grieving’ and pointed out that she and Baena were, in fact, already separated.

Got a story?

Advertisement

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE: Taylor Swift’s friends call her and Travis Kelce’s wedding rumour a ‘decoy’

MORE: Kim Kardashian branded ‘rude’ for snubbing Sky host interview at Monaco Grand Prix

MORE: James Handy’s neighbour saw ‘bloody pants on the sidewalk’ after actor’s fatal stabbing

Advertisement

Comments


Add as preferred source

As reported in The Bolton News Roy Keane and Micah Richards filmed along Churchgate and Le Mans Crescent last month for the latest Sky advert, drumming up excitement ahead of the World Cup.

Now Sky Bet have released their new advert, giving the town and national showcase.

Bystanders queuing for their lunchtime pasty may have seen the football legends while they filmed the advertisement recently.

Once a dynamic box to box midfielder, Keane is now known for his quick wit and dry sense of humour on Sky Sport’s football coverage and the Overlap podcast along with Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, Jill Scott and Ian Wright.

The Sky Bet advert is packed with signature Keane reactions as well as nods to famous World Cup moments, all while showing off the best of Bolton’s iconic landmarks and architecture.

The Town Hall forms the backdrop for Keane to deliver his famous line, ‘That’s his job’, a comment made about a goalkeeper’s triple save that went viral and is now cemented as a Keane trademark.

Former Manchester City defender, Richards also appears in the advert.

Roy Keane and Micah Richards have filmed along Churchgate and Le Mans Crescent (Image: Still)

A big personality, also known for his appearances on Sky Sports, is seen imitating Roger Milla’s iconic goal celebration from the 1990 World Cup along Churchgate, outside The Old Man and Scythe.

Bolton Town Centre has been a hive of filming activity in recent months, making the most of the town’s iconic architecture and film friendliness.

Roy Keane and Micah Richards have filmed along Churchgate and Le Mans Crescent (Image: Still)

Temporary changes to licensing rules will mean viewers can enjoy watching the Men’s Football World Cup – which takes place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico – at their local public house.

The temporary changes will have a huge impact on Bolton’s nighttime economy, particularly for popular venues along Churchgate, where the advert was filmed.

Roy Keane was spotted in front of the Wellsprings this week (Image: Public)

Filming for the advert also occurred at The Market Place, where they turned The Patio into a World Cup celebration, complete with bunting and a brass band.

In conjunction with the World Cup, The Market Place will also be hosting family-friendly activities and football-related competitions.

Cllr Debbie Newall, Executive Cabinet Member for Culture, said: “Bolton continues to flourish as a filming destination.

“Attracting big football personalities and having our local landmarks featured on national television is a great way to get Bolton immersed in World Cup fever!

“With a full summer of sport ahead, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the atmosphere with friends and loved ones.”

The World Cup starts this Thursday, 11th June with Mexico kicking off against South Africa.

England begin their campaign on Wednesday 17th June at 9pm, against Croatia.

On Monday, the jury of five women and seven men heard that Donaldson had been interviewed by police for four and a half hours following his arrest in the early hours of March 28 2024.

Former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson told police he wasn’t doing “anything untoward” in an incident where an alleged victim claimed he used a light to stare at her.

The trial over historical sexual offences at Newry Crown Court is being played audio recordings of the former MP’s interviews with detectives following his arrest in 2024.

Donaldson, 63, has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged offences.

The charges include one count of rape and allegations of indecent assault and gross indecency, and span a time period between 1985 and 2008 involving two alleged victims.

Complainant A and B have both previously given evidence at the sexual offences trial.

Eleanor Donaldson, 60, from Dublinhill Road, Dromore, Co Down, denies several charges of aiding and abetting her husband’s alleged offending. She is facing a trial of the facts and is not participating in the proceedings.

On Monday, the jury of five women and seven men heard that Donaldson had been interviewed by police for four and a half hours following his arrest in the early hours of March 28 2024.

Three hours of the interviews will be played to the jury.

Donaldson, wearing a blue suit, sat in the dock at the back of the court while the audio of the first interview was played.

The interview at Antrim PSNI station began with the former DUP leader confirming his name and date of birth.

Asked at the beginning if he wanted to say anything in relation to the alleged offences, he replied “No.”

The court has previously heard about an allegation that Donaldson had “perched” over the top of Complainant A when she was a child, using a light to look at her “private parts”.

In his police interview, Donaldson raised the incident, telling detectives he believed he had “startled” the girl.

He said: “It obviously frightened her. She thought that I was shining a light at her.”

“You know, I didn’t have a light. You know, I wasn’t doing anything untoward.”

He added: “She clearly still has a concern about that.”

He said “at no stage” had Complainant A ever claimed “I touched her or did anything inappropriate on that occasion”.

In the interview, Donaldson said there had been “good times and difficult times” in his marriage to Eleanor Donaldson.

He said his work as a politician had “put a strain on our marriage”.

Donaldson said: “The role I hold is all-consuming, it takes up a lot of time.”

The trial continues.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter