New guidance has been issued by Highways England, supporting its supply chain to introduce the higher limit where it is safe to do so.

The company calculated that 3778 hours of journey time were saved each day across eight road schemes that tried the higher limit. It adds that more road users complied with the 60mph limit compared to a 50mph limit.

Highways England chief executive Jim O’Sullivan said: “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,” he added.

A 60mph limit is currently in use on schemes including on the M1 in Northamptonshire (junctions 13 to 16), the M6 in Staffordshire (13 to 15) and the M4 near Reading.

One contractor which trialled the 60mph speed limit through roadworks is the Costain / Galliford Try joint venture, which is working on the M1. Programme director Andy Bannister says it installed wider lane widths and markings, additional message signs to aid motorists and used an upgraded temporary barrier system designed to cope with higher speeds.

“Following an initial successful trial period and review we all agreed that 60mph could be extended both in length and duration. This continues to be monitored to ensure it is operating safely and delivering the benefits to the public.”

Road user watchdog Transport Focus welcomed an increase in temporary speed limits through roadworks. Chief executive Anthony Smith said motorists “want speed limits in roadworks to be no lower than necessary to maintain safety, so 60mph in roadworks wherever it is safe to do it is a welcome step”.

(Photograph: Highways England)