Councillors oppose speed restrictions

The Highways Agency wants to convert the hard shoulder into a fourth lane to widen the 18.5-mile stretch of motorway as part of a project to improve traffic flow and allow greater volumes to use the route.

But by allowing more traffic to use the motorway, air pollution would be increased along the stretch which runs through three air quality management areas.

A 60mph speed limit enforced by speed cameras has been proposed between 7am and 7pm every day by The Highways Agency to help reduce carbon emissions.

But the county council has objected to the proposals as part of a Highways Agency consultation after business organisations including the Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire Chambers of Commerce Group raised concerns.

CounDean Collins, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for jobs, economy and transport, said: “Business organisations have told us they are concerned about the message a blanket speed reduction sends out.

“We are working hard to attract new businesses to the area and a lower limit will add to the perception that the M1 is overly congested. Other sections of the M1 have air quality management areas but do not have lower speed restrictions as a result.”