Why is a motorway called a motorway?

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fiona

By the 1950s, the terms "Highways", "Road" and "Street" already existed with distinct legal definitions (although the definitions in Scotland differed from those in England).

What we call motorways are legally "Special Roads".

When the Special Roads Act was passed in the mid 50s, it was acknowleged that "Special Road" was clumsy, so a new term was needed. Since Special Roads were designed solely for motor vehicles to proceed on their way, the term "motorway" was born. [Motor + way]

(Personally I would ignore your Canadian friend - like the yanks to their south, they have yet to learn to speak basic English properly, let alone tackle modern words!)

JOHN B

In the u.k. we decide what we call things.

Anti theist

It's a Way (street) that takes motors.
Makes more sense than "Highway"

By the way "co worker" is not English, it should be "colleague"

shortbreadtin

Because we're not Canadian/American or anything else, we're British and that's what we called them.

david f

A Motorway is a road reserved exclusively for the use of motorised traffic. No pedestrians, horses, herds of cattle or bicycles. Fairly logical, when you think about it. Probably came about as a direct translation of the German Autobahn. Your Canadian 'co worker' is obviously unfamiliar with British English usage.

MICHAEL F

Because we're British and we decided to call it a Motorway, we like to be different, and we don't give a shxt what the world thinks. :)

MotÃ¶rhead Fan

because motor vehicles use it. That is the reason it's called a Motorway, not a highway

LauraYeah.â„¢

because it's a way (i.e. street) that motors go down..
why would it be called a 'highway'?

=/

Å–Å·Çœá»¯

Because it's a way for the motorcars.

Ready blue

Because its a way for Motors to pass.

Motorway and Highway - same thing. Motorway is English term and Highway is American term.

Johnny

Originally they were referred to as Motor Roads, ie roads just for motorised vehicles. This eventually became Motor Way (way being associated with fast roads) and then motorway.

Angel

A Motorway is just for the use of Motor Cars, nothing else,

Leanne A

i looked up definition, highways are roads that connect towns and cities, one main public road. motorways are roads than are super highways, as motorways connect many towns and cities. hope i helped settle your dispute

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