The roads company is going to test if varying speed limits could safely be operated within a set of roadworks without increasing the risks to either drivers or road workers.

Speed limits could be increased to 60mph on a Sunday if there is less construction activity taking place and then brought back down to 50mph when road workers are working within a few feet of passing traffic.

Highways England is also exploring if different speed limits could operate within one set of roadworks.

This could mean people commute to work on one carriageway at 50mph as they are nearer the workforce, but drive home on the other carriageway at 60mph as the road workers are further away.

Jim O’Sullivan, Chief Executive of Highways England, said: ‘People understand roadworks are necessary but are also frustrated by them.

“At the same time we have to ensure as they drive through them that they, and our road workers, are safe.

“So we are always thinking of new ways to improve journeys at the same time as keeping everyone as safe as we can.

“That is why over the next 12 months we will test changes to the design and operation of roadworks.”

Locations for the trials are currently being  agreed.