New lower 60mph speed limit being tested on four motorways
The lower limit could be rolled out across the UK
by Neil ShawA new 60mph speed limit is to be tested on motorways across the country and could be rolled out nationwide.
The reduced limit will be trialled on parts of the M5, M6 and M1 as well as the M602.
The lower limit is designed to reduce pollution and environmental harm under a trial being carried out by Highways England.
Anyone who breaks the new lower limit could face a £100 fine and three points on their driving licence, reports MailOnline.
The M5 trial will be at Oldbury, West Bromwich, near Birmingham, where the motorway meets the M6.
A separate part of the M6 in Birmingham, between junctions six and seven, as well as the M1 between junctions 33 and 34 at Rotherham and the M602 between junctions one and three near Eccles, in Greater Manchester, are also on the hit-list.
The pilot project, the first attempt to tackle emissions by cutting the 70mph limit on motorways, is expected to remain in place for 12 to 15 months.
Evidence shows the reduced limit could lead to a 17 per cent drop in air pollutants.
Highways England's head of environment, Ivan Le Fevre, told The Times : "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."