The M5 Motorway (Junctions 1 to 3) (60 Miles Per Hour Speed Limit) Regulations 2022 (Revocation) Regulations 2026

Published: Mon 7th Sept 26 Came into force: Sun 4th Oct 26

Department: Department for Transport
Made under: Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland

Revoked the 60 miles per hour speed limit on the M5 motorway between junctions 1 and 3, reinstating the national motorway speed limit.

This instrument revokes the temporary 60 miles per hour speed limit on the M5 motorway between Junction 1 (West Bromwich) and Junction 3 (Quinton), including slip roads at Junctions 1 and 2.

By removing the 2022 Regulations that established the restriction, the Secretary of State for Transport restores the national motorway speed limit to this section of the network.

The change applies to all motorists using these specific stretches of the M5 in England beginning 4 October 2026.

Arguments For

The Explanatory Memorandum states that nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) concentrations have dropped sufficiently to meet legal limits defined by the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2010, meaning the restricted speed limit is no longer required for environmental compliance.
National Highways reports that returning to the national motorway speed limit will reduce journey times, providing an estimated monetized benefit to business of approximately £1.02 million per year through increased operational efficiency.
The department states that a risk assessment conducted under the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) GG 104 found no significant variation in safety performance with the lower limit, concluding there is no safety-based justification for its retention.
Proponents argue that restoring the national limit may reduce instances of "panic braking" associated with the lower speed zone, potentially improving traffic flow.

Arguments Against

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council and Transport for West Midlands raised concerns during consultation that increasing the speed limit could lead to a deterioration in air quality.
Some consultation respondents argued that legal compliance with UK NO₂ limits does not necessarily align with World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, which are stricter.
Local authorities and public respondents expressed concerns that higher speeds could negatively impact road safety, particularly given the specific geography of this stretch of the M5.
Concerns were raised regarding potential increases in noise pollution for residents near the motorway once vehicles return to higher speeds.

Citation, commencement and extent

1.—(1) These Regulations may be cited as the M5 Motorway (Junctions 1 to 3) (60 Miles Per Hour Speed Limit) Regulations 2022 (Revocation) Regulations 2026.

(2) These Regulations come into force on 4th October 2026.

(3) These Regulations extend to England and Wales and Scotland.

This section establishes the official name of the regulations and sets the date they become legally effective as 4 October 2026.

It specifies that while the legal extent of the document covers England, Wales, and Scotland, the practical application is limited to specific sections of the M5 motorway in England.

Revocation

The M5 Motorway (Junctions 1 to 3) (60 Miles Per Hour Speed Limit) Regulations 2022 are revoked.

This section cancels the 2022 Regulations that previously mandated a 60 miles per hour speed limit on the M5 between junctions 1 and 3.

As a result of this cancellation, the default national motorway speed limit (generally 70 miles per hour for cars) becomes applicable to this stretch of road again.

Explanatory Memorandum PDF View Source