07.01.14
Derbyshire motorway could see 60mph limit
A section of the M1 could see its speed limit restricted to 60mph, the government has proposed. The move is expected to cut pollution and to meet EU guidelines on air quality.
The new limit would apply to a 32-mile stretch of the M1 from junction 28 in Derbyshire to junction 35a. It would be in force from 7am to 7pm, seven days a week.
As well as reducing emissions and improving air quality, the new lower limit could help to reduce congestion, increase capacity and improve journey time reliability, the Highways Agency said.
It stated: “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).
“Clean air is important for human health and the health of the environment which is why an improvement scheme may be operated differently until air quality levels sufficiently improve.”
But the RAC warned that the proposal could harm the economy. Technical director David Bizley said: “It could pave the way for similar restrictions on other sections of motorway. While preserving air quality is obviously a paramount concern there will inevitably be a negative impact on business efficiency and individual mobility.
“This very powerfully demonstrates the impact that speed has on emissions and many will be surprised to hear that a reduction of just 10mph can have such a significant effect on improving air quality.”
The consultation will close on 3 March.
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Image c. David Bigg