Speed limits on motorways with roadworks are set to be raised from 50mph to 60mph in a bid to cut journey times.
Highways England, which is responsible for major A roads and motorways, is increasing the limit after trialling the change in speed over the past 18 months.
The government-owned company found that time savings due to the speed limit changes ranged between eight and 14 per cent at the eight trialled sites. On a 24-mile section of the M1, between junction 13 and 16, motorists saved 68 seconds through the speed limit increase.
Despite concerns about road workers' with the rise to a 60mph limit, Highways England said that the safety of both highways teams and motorists could be maintained.
Highways England chief executive Jim O’Sullivan said: “All of our research shows that road users benefit from 60mph limits in roadworks. They have shorter journey times and feel safe.
“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.”
Despite the changes, not every motorway speed limit will be raised immediately, as some roads will still require a 50mph limit to remain in place.
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