If cars use more fuel the faster they are driven, then a lot of people here in Britain must have high fuel bills. As an Aussie who has just spent 5 weeks driving around this beautiful country, I am astounded how fast many drivers go on any class of road, whether it be motorways, A or B roads. I know I'm getting old, but I've never considered myself a slow driver, I will travel at the speed limit where possible, and in most cases, if anyone passes me they are exceeding the limit. Over here, however, I always felt as if I was going to be late for something, as most others passed me at speeds well above the limit, or if they couldn't pass, tailgated me. Even in the Lake District, where the roads are narrow and winding, the speed of some drivers was unbelievable. In some parts of England, tailgating seems to be a national sport.
Having said all that, I find most British drivers to be very courteous in other ways, such as allowing others to turn across a line of oncoming traffic in towns, merging on motorways, and stopping on very narrow roads through villages to allow an approaching vehicle to pass a parked car. I did find the British habit of parking facing the wrong direction to be rather off-putting, as this behaviour is highly illegal in Australia, and attracts a heavy fine.
Peter.