The Government is to trial speed reductions on four motorways before October. The limit will be reduced from 70mph to 60mph on sections of the M6, M1, M5 and M602 in a bid to cut pollution.
According to Highways England, these areas have seen higher than recommended levels of nitrogen dioxide, which is a pollutant linked to respiratory illness. “Ultimately the air quality challenge will be solved ‘at the tailpipe’ by vehicle manufacturers and changes in vehicle use,” Ivan Le Fevre, head of environment at Highways England, told the BBC. “Until this happens we will continue our extensive programme of pioneering research and solutions.”
Of course, this isn’t the first time motorway speed limits have been trialled. The 70mph limit was initially introduced as a trial in December 1965 before…