A 50mph speed limit imposed on the M4 around Newport will be lifted along a three-mile stretch from next week, it was confirmed yesterday.

The new variable speed limit system will come into force from the Brynglas Tunnels to junction 28 on March 8, bringing the speed limit back up to 70mph during normal free-flowing traffic.

Variable speed limits are expected to be fully operational from junction 24 to 28 in June when work to install a concrete central reservation after the Brynglas tunnels is complete.

Until then the 50mph restrictions, which started in April 2009, will remain in place and will be enforced through the average speed cameras.

The Variable Speed limit system uses state of the art technology to detect traffic build-up that can cause congestion and will automatically adjust the speed limit on overhead electronic signs to keep traffic flowing. It is hoped it will make driving conditions safer and lead to more reliable journey times along Wales’ busiest stretch of road.

Similar projects on the M25 and M42 have proved successful and on the M4, it is expected that the reduction of accidents and increase of the flow of traffic in controlled sections will lead to savings of £40million over a 30 year period.

Deputy first minister Ieuan Wynn Jones said the project was part of a long term strategy to encourage inward investment, growth and jobs into Wales.

He said: “Ultimately, it will improve connectivity for Wales and this is essential to the economy. It will not only make for better travelling now, but will also encourage more sustainable travelling in the future.”

EDITORIAL COMMENT: Lifting limit is welcome

NEWS that the 50mph order is to be lifted on part of the M4 around Newport from March 8, will be music to the ears of many motorists.

For what has seemed like an interminable length of time, the speed limit has frustrated all of us who use the M4, especially commuters and other regular users.

But before anyone starts celebrating too wildly, it must be remembered that it is only a fraction of the M4 which will be back to normal.

Meanwhile, anyone travelling on the motorway east of the Brynglas Tunnels will still be subject to the slower speed limit, that is, until the completion of works to replace the central reservation.

This is likely to be some time in June.

At long last though there does seem to be some prospect of the ending of a rule which has seen motorists having to drive at what seems like a snail's pace even when the motorway, which is of course designed for higher speeds, is empty of traffic.

What we will get in place of it will be a system of variable speed limits as part of the Assembly Government's bid to ease congestion around Newport.

The infrastructure is now in place for the introduction of these VSLs which, according to the Assembly will reduce congestion, accidents and the need for heavy braking.

They say it will save £40m over a 30 year period.

There is no doubt that the M4 around Newport is one of the motorway network's notorious bottlenecks. And when there is a problem on the M4 it normally results in gridlock for the whole city.

So we welcome moves to keep traffic moving and hope the introduction of VSLs will do just that.