Motorway Limit to Reduce in Climate Crisis

25 September 2020

Highways England plans to reduce the current speed limit of 70MPH to 60MPH along four-and-a-half mile stretches on the M6 near Birmingham; the M5 at Oldbury, West Midlands, the M1 at Rotherham, South Yorkshire, and the M602 near Eccles, Greater Manchester. 

The change has been proposed as part of the solution to reducing emissions and air pollution in surrounding areas. Highways England has estimated that the reduced speed limit will lead to a 17% reduction in air pollution. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is the primary pollutant that Highways England is aiming to reduce, which is produced mostly by vehicles.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), air pollution was thought to have caused 64,000 deaths in the UK in 2015, including 17,000 fatal cases of heart and artery disease. 

The BBC reported that the lower speed limit will be enforced before October 2020 and will run over the next 12 to 15 months. 

If Highways England meets its goals for reducing pollution, the change is likely to be made permanent.  

During the trial period the limit will be enforced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and drivers who exceed the new limit could face the standard penalty for speeding offences, which is a fine of £100 and three penalty points on their licence. 

Head of Environment for Highways England, Ivan Le Fevre, said “Ultimately the air-quality challenge will be solved ‘at the tailpipe’ by vehicle manufacturers and changes in vehicle use. 

“Until this happens, we will continue our programme of research and solutions.

“The speed limits trial will stay in place until the shift to cleaner vehicles means we can remove the restrictions and maintain cleaner air.”

We at Marshall Minibus are pleased to see the Department for Transport taking measures to protect our environment. If you would like more information about our minibus leasing services, please call us on 01480 220444.

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