A MAJOR motorway will see its speed limit lifted within weeks as officials set about changing signs immediately.
The route has seen traffic slowed significantly for nearly four years under trialled Net Zero rules.
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Finished in 1982, the M602 is one of Britain’s shorter motorways, extending for just four miles.
It was originally intended as part of the much larger M52 but was instead used two link that route with the M62 when the latter was diverted in order to extend it to Liverpool.
As a result, the M602 now runs East to West across Greater Manchester, connecting Eccles at one end and Salford at the other.
Nonetheless, thanks to the relatively poor state of public transport in the region, the M602 remains busy and acts as a vital route into Salford city centre.
But for the past four years, motorists using it have had to conform to stricter rules than on the rest of the nation’s motorways.
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As part of a long-term trial to monitor emissions, the M602 saw its speed limit reduced to 60mph in 2020.
The theory was that making drivers slow down would lead to less pollution and improve air quality.
National Highways, which conducted the tests, now report that it worked and concluded that “air quality at these locations has improved and is now compliant.”
This means the restrictions will now be lifted after four years, putting the limit back up to 70mph.
Signage across the length of the M602 will be modified to reflect this “in the coming weeks”.
This should mean that drivers can expect to be allowed to push the pedal that little bit further from next month.
A spokesperson for National Highways said: “The M602 trial between junctions 1 and 3 has been completed.
“The speed limit will now return to 70mph from 60mph.
“Work for this is underway and we are planning to remove all associated signage in the coming weeks.
“Data for the air quality report is presently in the process of being compiled.
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“Ultimately the air quality challenge will be solved ‘at the tailpipe’ by vehicle manufacturers and changes in vehicle use.
“Until this happens, we will continue our extensive programme of pioneering research and solutions.”
However, they did add that: “Air quality monitoring tubes will remain in place to provide a greater understanding of any impacts following the end of this trial.”
It is not confirmed whether this could potentially lead to a reversal of the decision if emissions return to previous levels.
