Speed limit past motorways roadworks to be raised in England to help ‘frustrated’ drivers

Increase to 60mph decreases journey time and incidents of tailgating

Highways England announced that the typical 50mph restriction where work is being carried out will rise to 60mph (PA)

The basic speed limit through most roadworks in England will increase from 50mph to 60mph after “extensive” research showed it would be safe for both motorists and road workers to do so.

Highways England, the company responsible for motorways and major A roads in England, said the increase was in response to “feedback from road users who said they were frustrated at not being able to go quicker”.

It carried out road trials to gather feedback and risk assessments, and found that drivers saved an average of nearly 3,780 hours of journey time when using 60mph. Drivers also stayed within the speed limit more often compared to driving at 50mph, said the company.

The move was welcomed by transport watchdog Transport Focus and The AA , who said it would reduce journey times and incidents of tailgating.

Jim O’Sullivan, chief executive of Highways England, said: “All of our research shows that road users benefit from 60mph limits in roadworks. They have shorter journey times and feel safe.

“Road users understand that roadworks are necessary, but they are frustrated by them. So testing 60mph has been about challenging the norm while ensuring the safety of our people working out there and those using our roads.

Anthony Smith, chief of Transport Focus, said: “We know road users want speed limits in roadworks to be no lower than necessary to maintain safety — so 60mph in roadworks wherever it is safe to do it is a welcome step.”

“Sticking at 50mph often leads to other drivers tailgating in order to try to force vehicles to pull over,” said AA president Edmund King.

“The speed limit for HGVs over 7.5 tonnes travelling on dual carriageways or motorways is also 60mph, so sometimes this leads to tailgating in 50mph limits.

“Plus we have very long stretches of roadworks such as the 32 miles being converted to smart motorway on the M4 between junctions three and 12, where 60mph would seem much more appropriate.”