Stretch of M1 could get 60mph limit

The Highways Agency is consulting on a proposal to implement a speed limit of 60mph on a stretch of the M1.  

If the proposal is given the go ahead the speed limit would be in place between junction 28 at Mansfield and junction 35a at Sheffield and Rotherham between 7am and 7pm, seven days a week, as part of improvements planned for the M1. The speed limit will be used to manage traffic speeds and help reduce congestion and air pollutants locally.

Environmental assessments carried out on the proposed smart motorways schemes on that section of the M1 showed there was likely to be an adverse impact on local air quality if the motorway continued to operate at the national speed limit (70mph).

An eight-week consultation on the proposed regulations started yesterday (Monday 6 January) and will finish on 3 March 2014.

Smart motorways add extra capacity by converting the hard shoulder into a permanent running lane which is supported and controlled by variable mandatory speed limits to manage traffic and reduce congestion.

The proposed maximum mandatory speed limit would work in parallel with the variable speed limits which would be set as part of the congestion reduction measures for smart motorways.

Construction of the smart motorway schemes is scheduled to start in spring 2014.