Motorway roadworks speed limit could increase to 60mph

Speed limits in motorway roadworks could increase from 50 to 60mph following a government trial.

The 50mph limit has become a regular sight for Britain’s drivers during the smart motorway expansion, with one of the longest stretches being the 34 miles on the M4 between London and Reading, where work won’t finish until 2022.

However, Highways England has carried out a 12-month trial that has looked at the viability of raising limits where it is safe to do so.

The RAC says the move could lead to the end of some 50mph limits, while other roads could have limits lowered when road workers are present. The M4 has used a 60mph limit at certain times such as weekends when no work is being carried out.

The breakdown service says a small trial in 2018 found there was no difference in safety between 50 and 60mph, but the faster limits improved traffic flow. It reports that motorists have been left increasingly frustrated by the 50mph restrictions in recent months as traffic density has dropped.

Nicholas Lyes, head of roads policy at the RAC, who sits on the Government’s Motorists Forum sub-group on roadworks, added: