Motorway Roadworks Speed Limit To Increase
Friday, 3. August 2018
How many times have you driven along a massive stretch of roadworks with a speed limit of 50 miles per hour only to get to the end without so much as a sniff of a worker? Annoying isn’t it? Well, following complaints Highways England is now looking at the situation with a view to possibly increase the speed limit from 50mph to 60mph when it isn’t putting workers at risk.
The counter argument has been put forward in the past that when long-term motorway roadworks are being carried out the lanes are reduced, a good reason why the limit should be brought down as it reduces the danger to drivers also. But without workers in danger, it is felt that the limit could still be increased to 60mph to improve traffic flow.
As an example, they mention weekends when the limit could be increased to 60mph on Sundays then reduced back to 50mph ready for Monday. They are also looking at the possibility of retaining the 50mph limit when commuting to work but return home with a limit of 60mph and in places where the workers are some way away from the traffic lanes. Jim O’Sullivan, Highways England Chief Executive, said that whilst motorists appreciate the need for road works they also find them frustrating.
They have already carried out pilots with permanent limits of 55mph and 60mph but this is the first time they have considered switching limits – no doubt using latest technology. If they introduce this new scheme it should improve traffic flow. The sooner the better as far as I’m concerned. By Graham Hill
