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) of the M20.

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.

A spokesperson for The Highways Agency said they helped to 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 are in place since they were introduced on the M25.

"For the M20, emissions is also a key factor because that is a very busy stretch of road."

Anyone who would like to participate in the consultation should click this link - www.highways.gov.uk/roads/projects/23322.aspx