Limit through roadworks to increase to 60mph – where safe and where shown on road signs

AFTER extensive and innovative research and trials, the company has confirmed that where it is safe for road users and roadworkers, and where shown on road signs, vehicles can be driven at up to 60mph.

That is 10mph faster than the current 50mph norm.

The move comes in response to feedback from road users who said they were frustrated at not being able to go quicker. And the results show as well as saving time, more people are sticking to the higher speed limit, so bringing safety benefits.

Jim O’Sullivan, Highways England Chief Executive, said:
“All of our research shows that road users benefit from 60mph limits in roadworks. They have shorter journey times and feel safe.

“Road users understand that roadworks are necessary, but they are frustrated by them. So testing 60mph has been about challenging the norm while ensuring the safety of our people working out there and those using our roads.

“We have a huge programme of work planned, so being able to use 60mph where safe will continue to improve everybody’s experience of our roads.”

Highways England recently completed delivery of the Government’s first road investment programme. Roadworks are necessary to carry out the improvements.

Acting on road user feedback the company committed to working out how it could safely increase the speed limit.

The work involved on road trials in various scenarios, road user, roadworker and stakeholder feedback and comprehensive risk assessments.