M-way roadworks limit to rise to 60mph? Verdict

SPEED limits through motorway roadworks could increase to 60mph during quiet periods, under new plans.

Highways England, which runs England’s motorway network, will conduct new trials to see if higher limits can be safely introduced during periods when roadworkers aren’t at risk.

Currently, motorway roadworks where lanes are narrowed bring with them a limit of 50mph or lower. However, Highways England is investigating whether restrictions can be raised to decrease journey times.

Taking weekends as an example, the organisation said: “The speed could be increased to 60mph on a Sunday if there is less activity taking place, and then brought back down to 50mph when roadworkers are located within a few feet of passing traffic.”

Weekday roadwork limits could also rise in the future, with drivers commuting on one carriageway at 50mph, but returning home in the opposite direction at 60mph if “roadworkers are further away [from the dangers]”.

Jim O’sullivan, Highways England’s chief executive, said while “people understand roadworks are necessary”, they are also “frustrated” by them. “That is why over the next 12 months we will test changes to the design and operation of roadworks,” he added.

These trials follow earlier pilots that saw some roadwork limits permanently raised to 55mph and 60mph.

“Could higher speed limits be safely introduced during periods when roadworkers aren’t at risk?”

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