Chamber fears over M1 plans

A spokesman said a proposal to enforce a 60mph between junction 28 and 35a between 7am and 7pm, seven days a week, would negatively impact on business in the area.

Chris Hobson, head of information and representation at DNCC, said: “We have concerns that reducing the speed limit would negatively impact on businesses in the area.

“It would impact on commuters and overall journey times not just for the 34 miles between those junctions but also through Nottingham where variable speed limits already exist.

“Logistics operators, hauliers, distributors and public transport operators would all have to factor in longer journey times, which would increase costs.

“The M1 is the main road through the East Midlands and the stretch covered by the proposed 60mph speed restriction is the key gateway through South Yorkshire to the East Midlands and south, East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire.”

The Highways Agency hopes the mandatory limit will be used to manage traffic speeds.

Also, environmental assessments carried out have shown an adverse impact on air quality is likely if the motorway continues to operate at the national speed limit (70mph).

An eight-week consultation on the proposed regulations started on Monday last week and will finish on 3rd March 2014.

To view the document visit www.gov.uk/government/publications.