Motorways as well as trunk roads might see quicker speed limits introduced near roadworks under new plans to cut down on congestion.
The department for deliver wishes to raise speed limits near roadworks from the present maximum of 50mph, as well as has tasked Highways England to identify whether this can be done “safely.”
Advertisement – short article continues below
The company is currently running a trial on a four-mile stretch of roadworks on the M1 with a 60mph limit. If the trial is declared a success quicker limits might appear throughout the country.
• shipment vans to blame for record web traffic levels
Transport priest John Haynes has likewise asked Highways England to limit roadside works to no longer than 10 miles, in addition to enhancing the number of lanes open during roadworks.
The reforms are much needed as the most recent web traffic predictions by the DfT quote a prospective 55 per cent increase in web traffic numbers by 2040. The next few years will likewise see a rising number of roadworks as Highways England is currently hectic converting over 4,000 miles of the motorway network into new ‘smart’ motorways. wise motorways will utilize the difficult take on as an added lane during hectic periods in addition to variable speed limits to cut congestion.
• UK road web traffic is worse than ever
Haynes said: “I have asked Highways England to look at shortening the length of roadworks to decrease the effect on road users.
“Following my discussion with them, Highways England are working towards utilising shorter lengths as well as taking a look at whether they can safely boost speed limits with roadworks, which will enhance the general client experience as well as minimise disruption.”
Edmund King, president of the AA, said: “If you look at sections like the M3 from the M25 to Basingstoke, you have 25 miles of roadworks with a 50mph limit.
“It’s extremely challenging for chauffeurs to concentrate over a period of time at those speeds. Shortening the length of those roadworks would make it safer as well as imply less people are caught out.”
What do you believe of the plans to raise speed limits near roadworks on motorways? tell us in the comments below…