MOTORISTS using the M50 are being advised a temporary 40mph speed limit is now in place between junction one at Twyning and junction two with the A417 Gloucester Road.

West Mercia Police’s Safer Roads Partnership has put the restrictions – which are expected to last three months – in place while drainage works are carried out.

Drivers are advised narrow lanes are in operation and the speed limit is being enforced by average speed cameras, which are operating 24 hours a day.

Safer Roads Partnership communications manager Vicki Bristow said the restrictions were in place to keep motorists and road workers safe.

“We are therefore urging all motorists to exercise caution as they travel through the area and comply with the speed limit, which is clearly marked,” she said.

In the past three years eight road workers have been killed on England’s highways and there have been 1,747 incidents in the past year alone in which people were hurt while working on the roads.

Wayne Norris, who leads on road worker safety in the Midlands for the Highways Agency, said the organisation is committed to eliminating all dangers to workers on the roads.

“Road workers do a difficult and dangerous job carrying out vital work to keep our roads safe and well maintained,” he said. “But they face danger every day while working close to fast moving traffic, in all weather conditions and often at night.”

“Speed limits, cones and narrow lanes are there to keep road users safe, as well as provide a safe area for workers – often enabling us to keep roads open while essential work takes place.

“We realise roadworks can be frustrating but we would urge everyone to question whether it is worth risking people’s lives to save a few minutes on their journey.”