Global EditionASIA 中文双语Français
World
Home / World / Europe

Britain to trial lower motorway speed limit to reduce traffic emissions

Xinhua | Updated: 2020-09-13 15:17
Share
Share - WeChat
Police officers are seen in Portobello Road in London, Aug 30, 2020. [Photo/Agencies]

LONDON -- Speed limits on stretches of motorways in England are to be cut as a trial measure to reduce air pollution, Highways England announced Saturday.

Limits on motorways are currently set at the national maximum of 70 mph (112 km/h). Under the new plan this will be reduced to 60 mph (96 km/h) along four pilot stretches of motorway by the end of this month.

It is the first time the government has planned reducing the maximum speed limit to tackle vehicle emissions.

Nitrogen dioxide released from car exhausts is a serious air pollutant, which indirectly contributes to the warming of the planet and aggravates the airways in the human respiratory system.

Over the next 12 to 15 months, Highways England, a government-owned company, will test the impact of lower speeds on localized pollution and, if proven effective, could remain in place and lead to speed reductions in other parts of the country.

Motorists could be hit with a 100 pound fine ($128) and three penalty points for breaching the lower limit.

"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 extensive program of pioneering research and solutions," said Ivan Le Fevre, head of environment at Highways England.

The trial will take place on M6 junctions 6 to 7 by Witton, M1 junctions 33 to 34 by Rotherham, M602 junctions 1 to 3 by Eccles and M5 junctions 1 to 2 by Oldbury. Each stretch is up to 4.5 miles long.

Most Viewed in 24 Hours
Top
BACK TO THE TOP
English
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.
License for publishing multimedia online 0108263

Registration Number: 130349
FOLLOW US