11.2 Britain's Red Flag Act

• In 1865 Britain introduced the 'Locomotives on Highways Act'. Better known as the 'Red Flag Act'.

• The act stipulated that all mechanically powered road vehicles must:

• Have three drivers.
• Not exceed 4 mph (6.4 kph) on the open road and 2 mph (3.2 kph) in towns.
• Be preceded by a man on foot waving a red flag to warn the public.

• In 1896 the act was withdrawn and the speed limit increased to l4 mph (22 kph).