Motorists could be allowed to drive through motorway roadworks at 60mph under plans to reduce road rage

DRIVERS may get the green light to go faster through motorway works, under plans to reduce road-rage.

Highways England is considering raising the speed limit from 50mph to 60mph on days when there is less activity by road workers, and where they are at a safe ­distance from traffic.

The new limit may be brought in on Sundays, when there are fewer workers on the road.

However, no change is expected until the end of the year or early 2019.

There are also currently no similar plans to be rolled out by the Scottish and Welsh authorities.

Meanwhile, Highways England stated that there are nearly 300 incidents each week where drivers enter coned-off areas or subject road workers to abuse.

The agency also found that 60 per cent of motorists who drove at 60mph through roadworks experienced less frustration found by a decreased heart rate.

Chief executive Jim O’Sullivan said: “People understand roadworks are necessary but are frustrated by them.

“At the same time we have to ensure they, and our road workers, are safe.

“That is why over the next 12 months we will test changes to the design and operation of roadworks.”