Faster speed limit through motorway roadworks trialled in South Yorkshire

Faster speed limits through motorway roadworks are being trialled in South Yorkshire in a bid to reduce delays while routes are improved and repaired.

By The Newsroom

Published 5th Dec 2016, 06:09 BST

Updated 6th Dec 2016, 11:44 BST

A trial is being carried out on the M1 near Rotherham

The rules preventing drivers going faster than 50mph near road works could be scrapped if safety is not compromised during the test.

Highways England is currently trialling a 60mph limit near upgrades on the M1 near Rotherham.

Transport minister John Hayes said: "Motorists should not be needlessly held up as we deliver a £15 billion upgrade to motorways and major A-roads to improve journeys.

"Safety is our absolute priority. Highways England are carrying out a trial of 60mph on the M1 to see if we can raise the speed limit in roadworks without putting people at risk.

"I will be looking carefully at the results of this trial before we look to roll this out more widely next year, if it is a success."

The M1 trial taking place over a four-mile stretch of the northbound carriageway began in November and is due to go on for around another two weeks.