Speed limits will be raised on sections of motorway affected by roadworks to cut journey times and ease drivers’ frustrations, Highways England says
- Speed limits will be raised on parts of the motorway affected by roadworks
- Highways England said 50mph limits near roadworks would increase to 60mph
- Trials over 18 months found that safety could be maintained despite the increase
Speed limits will be raised in sections of motorway affected by roadworks to cut journey times and ease the frustrations of drivers.
Highways England said that typical 50mph restrictions where work was taking place would increase to 60mph.
It made the decision after trials over the past 18 months found that the safety of drivers and road workers could be maintained in spite of the 10mph increase.
Highways England said that typical 50mph restrictions where roadworks are taking place will increase to 60mph to cut journey times (file photo)
It also found more drivers stayed within the limit when it was 60mph.
Average time savings ranged from eight per cent to 14 per cent at the eight areas tested.
At one pilot site – the M1 between junctions 13 and 16 – drivers typically saved 68 seconds.
The change in policy does not mean limits will immediately go up at every set of roadworks.
Some 40mph and 50mph limits will be used, depending on the layout and the work being done.
Anthony Smith, chief executive of watchdog Transport Focus, welcomed the 60mph limits and added: ‘We know that road users want speed limits in roadworks to be no lower than necessary to maintain safety.’