Surge In Fines To Bring Variable Limit Shake-up

Agency admits limits don't reflect smart M-way conditions

- Martin Saarinen

VARIABLE speed limits on the UK’s smart motorways are set for a “comprehensive review” following a 10-fold increase in speeding fines.

Highways England has admitted it will review variable speed restrictions on motorways after stating that the limits are not always accurately set to reflect traffic conditions at the time.

Data obtained by The Times under a Freedom of Information request showed 72,348 people were fined on motorways with variable speed limits last year, up 10 times the number from five years ago. Yet two thirds of those motorists penalised were driving at 69mph, below the 70mph national motorway speed limit.