Agenda item

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Transportation and Traffic Manager, containing this Council’s proposed response to the Highways Agency’s consultation on a maximum mandatory speed limit for the M1 motorway between junction 28 (Mansfield) junction 35a (Chapeltown).

The report stated that the Highways Agency, on behalf of the Department for Transport, is currently progressing proposals for the implementation of the Smart Motorways Project (previously known as the Managed Motorways Project), which if implemented, will see the hard shoulder of the M1 Motorway between Junctions 28 and 31, and Junctions 32 and 35a converted to a live running lane for all traffic.

An environmental assessment has been carried out which indicates that the scheme, which has all-lane running at all times could have a significant adverse effect on local air quality at sensitive receptors and at Air Quality Management Areas, particularly in the Sheffield and Rotherham areas, when operating at the national speed limit and the predicted levels of traffic growth.

In order to mitigate the adverse impacts on air quality which arise from operation at the national speed limit, the Highways Agency is proposing to implement a maximum mandatory 60mph speed limit on the section of the M1 Motorway between Junctions 28 and 35a.

The Select Commission discussed the following salient issues:-

: the emergency services have concerns about 24-hours all-lane running of vehicles on motorways; in addition, there may be difficulties of access for emergency vehicles to accident sites, should there be all-lane running of vehicles on the motorway;

: a previous scrutiny review, undertaken by this Council, had suggested the introduction of a reduced vehicle speed limit on the M1 motorway in the Brinsworth and Tinsley areas, principally to try and improve air quality;

: a reduced speed limit might increase vehicle congestion and tailbacks on the motorway at Tinsley; Members questioned the supposed air quality benefits of reducing vehicle speeds;

: it is already common practice to regulate traffic flows by the use of variable speed limits on the whole motorway network;

: comparisons were made with similar schemes on other motorways (eg: M42 in the Midlands);

: other European countries (eg: Germany) operate higher vehicle speed limits, without an excessively detrimental effect upon air quality (although speed limits reduce near to large conurbations);

: it was noted that there is an optimum speed for motor vehicles (at approximately 55mph to 60mph) in terms of fuel-efficiency and minimising the impact upon air quality;

: modern motor vehicle engines have improved fuel efficiency, which is less damaging to the environment.

It was noted that individuals are able to submit representations to the Highways Agency during the consultation process about the speed limit on the M1 motorway.

Resolved:- (1) That the report be received and its contents noted.

(2) That this Council’s response to the Highways Agency’s consultation on a maximum mandatory speed limit for the M1 motorway between junction 28 (Mansfield) junction 35a (Chapeltown) be approved insofar as this Select Commission is concerned.