Lowering M1 speed limit ‘will damage Yorkshire economy’

IMPOSING a 60mph hour limit on a stretch of the M1 motorway through South Yorkshire would be damaging to the region’s economy, the Highways Agency will be told.

Rotherham Council is set to join the ranks of opponents to the proposal to bring in the limit between junction 28 at Mansfield and junction 35a at Sheffield and Rotherham between 7am and 7pm.

The Highways Agency announced the measure last month arguing speeds needed to be cut on the 32-mile stretch to keep pollution levels at acceptable levels.

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But in its response to the idea, Rotherham Council will argue the proposals is not an acceptable way of maintaining air quality.

The stretch of M1 is due to become a “managed motorway” where the hard shoulder can be used at busy times and the speed limit can be changed using overhead signs.

Rotherham Council will suggest that it is contradictory to turn part of the M1 into a managed motorway to increase capacity, only to impose a lower speed limit that reduces it again.

The authority will question why a permanent 60mph rule is needed when managed motorway technology allows the limit to be changed to match traffic conditions.

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It will also express concern that the limit will be imposed for 12 hours a day rather than just at peak times.

“It is likely that the proposals will restrict economic growth in Rotherham and the Sheffield City Region, therefore the lesser time period that the restriction is in place, the lesser the impact on inhibiting growth,” it will say.

The Highways Agency will be told that the 12 hour limit will make it harder to encourage people to travel at quieter times of the day.

Rotherham Council’s response to the Highways Agency’s plans is due to be approved by councillor Gerald Smith, cabinet member for regeneration and development at a meeting next week.

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The Highways Agency has said studies have shown that following the introduction of the managed motorway system there is “likely to be an adverse impact on local air quality if the motorway continued to operate at the national speed limit”.

It said the lower speed limit would be used to “manage traffic speeds and help reduce congestion and air pollutants locally.”

There has been no indication as to when the limit will be lifted.

Construction work to turn the stretch of the M1 into a managed motorway is due to start in the spring.