A 60mph Limit Is Being Imposed On Some Motorways
A 60mph speed limit is being set for a number of motorway sections. It’s a part of trial to determine the impact of speed on vehicular emissions…
60mph Motorway Trial
Some parts of the motorway network are to have their speed limits reduced from 70mph to 60mph. The change comes as a part of trial scheme looking to reduce vehicular emissions. The new limit will be enforced 24/7 for between 12 and 15 months. New road signs will also indicate where the reduced limit is in place. Drivers who carry on as usual face the prospect of £100 fines and three penalty points on their licences.
The new 60mph limit is set to be trialled on the the M6 (between junctions six and seven), the M602 (between junctions one and three) and the M5 (between junctions one and two). It’ll also be present on the M1 (between junctions 33 and 34). Most of these trial sections are around 4.5 miles long. If the scheme is deemed to be a success, it could be expanded upon.
The Rationale
The trial is largely a response to increasing levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the country. Some 40,000 people die prematurely every year due to poor air-quality. In addition, motorway traffic has increased by 25% in the last 20 years alone. The government has identified at least 101 parts of the Strategic Road Network (SRN) that exceed legal NO2 limits.
Ivan Le Fevre, head of environment at Highways England, said that the trial (and others like it) would continue until roadside pollution is addressed “at the tailpipe by vehicle manufacturers”. Ultimately, the trial is a testament to how serious air pollution in the UK has become. If the trial is successful in significantly reducing NO2 levels, 60mph could one day become the new national speed limit for motorways. That’d have significant repercussions for the nature of motor travel and transport in general.
It’s worth considering, however, that the government is investing billions in new roads and road upgrades; placing its faith in the development of cleaner vehicles and powertrains. In which case, air-quality may naturally improve as diesel and petrol vehicles make way for electric and hydrogen models.
The UK’s First Citizens’ Assembly Wants To Ban SUVs – https://autoserve.co.uk/motoring-news/the-uks-first-citizens-assembly-wants-to-ban-suvs/
Motorways: These Are The Top Ten Most Annoying Habits – https://autoserveclub.co.uk/blog/motorways-these-are-the-top-ten-most-annoying-habits/
