by Helen Wagstaff

Motorists on the M20 could soon be fined for breaking variable speed limits of 40 or 50 mph.

The Highways Agency has launched a 12-week consultation on implementing a Controlled Motorway variable speed limit scheme between junctions 4 (West Malling) and 7 (Detling).

At the moment signs flash up telling drivers to keep to slower than national speed limit speeds but these are not enforceable by law.

The current consultation - which ends on July 28 - will allow interested parties and individuals to comment on the proposal before it becomes law.

Enforceable variable speed limits are currently in place on the M25 and on the M42.

John Burns, Highways Agency route manager for Kent, talks to kmfm about the variable speed limit plan for a section of the M20

A Highways Agency spokesman said they help prevent stop-start traffic, improve safety and reduce emissions.

He said: "There has been a 10 per cent decrease in accidents on the section they since they were introduced on the M25. For the M20, emissions is also a key factor because it is a very busy stretch of road."