The speed limit of some stretches of motorway in England could be increased from 50mph to 60mph, thanks to findings from a major trial carried out by Highways England.
Many drivers will be aware of the vast lengths of motorway with 50mph limits, with the restrictions often in place due to construction work taking place on the roads as part of the 'smart motorways' expansion.
Sometimes it can feel frustrating not to be able to put your foot down (well, not too much, obviously), with many journeys taking longer due to the slower speeds.
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But these speed limits may be getting increased in some areas, according to the Daily Mail, with 'anecdotal evidence' suggesting that some stretches of road currently don't have any construction underway, especially at night and during weekends.
To address these concerns and frustrations, Highways England has carried out a 12-month trial to explore the prospect of raising speed limits in such areas to 60mph, under certain conditions.
The findings are due to be revealed in a major new report next month, which could lead to the 50mph speed limit being scrapped permanently in some places.
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It may also mean other areas would be allowed to use common sense to make decisions - for example only maintaining the lower speed limit if roadside workers are actually present.
A Highways England spokesperson said: "We understand people get frustrated with roadworks. That is why we have been carrying out these further trials to look at where we can safely increase the speed limit to 60mph in different types of roadworks and in different ways - such as 24/7, or when there is less activity on site, or on the side of the road furthest away from road workers. The findings from this work will be announced soon."
Director of the RAC Foundation Steve Gooding told the Daily Mail: "Few things irritate motorists more than roadworks when there's no sign of activity, or are as frustrating as seeing that the road ahead is clear but to be stuck at 50 miles per hour.
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"Motorists might well ask whether every effort has been made to get road improvement schemes accelerated to take advantage of lockdown traffic volumes, and whether schemes are being managed in a way that minimises disruption."
Head of roads policy at the RAC Nicholas Lyes added: "Drivers need to prepare themselves for many years of roadworks ahead.
"When it comes to new stretches of smart motorway, they can only hope that all the years of works and reduced speed limits are worth it in terms of increased capacity. Worryingly though, drivers tell us they have serious concerns about how safe these motorways are."
LADbible has contacted Highways England for comment.
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