Motorway drivers have been urged to curb their speed to help reduce levels of air pollution.
Highways England has identified 30 areas across the country where toxic nitrogen dioxide emissions are over the legal limits of 40 micrograms.
The speed limit in at least nine of these areas will be cut to 60mph or lower in a bid to reduce the NO2 emissions - as The Independent reports.
READ MORE: Simple vehicle fault that could ruin your summer holiday
Research conducted by Highways England showed that the amendment to the speed limit would not have a big impact on journey times and would decrease the NO2 levels by 17%.
One of the affected routes will be the M6 near Birmingham - and it is also being considered to impose diversions during off-peak hours for HGVs on two sections of the A500 to junction 15 of the M6.
Other major motorway routes set for the speed limit change are the M1 between Sheffield and Rotherham - and sections of the M32 in Bristol.
The Chief Highways Engineer spoke of the urgent need for action to help reduce air pollution levels.
Mike Wilson said: "Poor air quality is the largest environmental risk to public health in the UK, known to have severe effects on vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children and those suffering with pre-existing health conditions.
“It can also be damaging to the environment, with negative impacts on animal and plant life.”
However, Mr Wilson did admit that the real change to reducing air-pollution will come from people moving away from the traditional petrol and diesel cars.
Mr Wilson said: "The long-term solution to improving air quality will come from the shift to lower emission vehicles."
Want to find out the latest news in your area? Enter your postcode on our In Your Area page here
