Plans To Drop M1 Speed Limit

7 January 2014, 09:23 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Plans to reduce speed limit from 70-60 mph on part of the M1 in the East Midlands.

A 30 mile stretch of the M1 in the East Midlands could get a 60 mile per hour limit because the government needs to cut air pollution.

The Highways Agency plans to put the limit in Derbyshire, between junction 28 for Alfreton up to junction 35a in South Yorkshire. A spokesperson said:

'Environmental assessments carried out on the proposed smart motorways schemes show that there is likely to be an adverse impact on local air quality if the motorway continues to operate at the national speed limit (70mph).

'This speed limit would be in place between 7am and 7pm for seven days a week and would help manage traffic and reduce congestion and air pollutants locally.'

The government's being forced to act because of EU rules on nitrogen dioxide.

'Motorway Madness'

Some motoring groups are worried it could mean other motorways get speed reductions too.

The Alliance of British Drivers says it's madness and wants the government to get rid of the idea saying limits should be increased instead, chairman Brian Macdowall:

'Motorways are the main transport arteries of the nation and are vital to the economy. The Government should be raising motorway speed limits, not reducing them. Air quality is important, but it has improved massively in recent years and will continue to do so, as newer, cleaner vehicles replace older ones.'

A consultation will run from now until 3 March 2014.