New speed limits in Suffolk villages near A14 roadworks

National Highways has been monitoring traffic in local villages surrounding the roadworks between junction 47a at Woolpit and junction 49 at Stowmarket. 

The authority has stated that data collected from safety camera vans showed that while most drivers complied, a number of drivers were travelling above the speed limit.

New speed limits have been introduced in Beyton (Image: Google Maps)

As a result, temporary speed limits have been installed in villages used as "rat runs". 

Twenty mile per hour restrictions have been installed in Bury Road and Tostock Road in Beyton, reduced from the current 30mph limit.

According to one.network, part of Drinkstone Road, between Beyton and Drinkstone, has been changed from a 60mph zone to a 30mph area.

The new changes also affect several roads in Elmswell, Wetherden and Haughley New Street. 

Restrictions could be in place until September next year.

READ MORE: 16,500 tonnes of new road surface laid on A14 in £37million scheme

A spokesman for National Highways said: "The data collected over the last few months showed that whilst most drivers complied with the speed limit, there are a number of drivers travelling above the speed limit.

"Whilst we can’t stop drivers from using local roads as a rat run, we aim to slow down any vehicles making it safer for vulnerable road users (pedestrians and cyclists)."

It comes after National Highways was forced to apologise for potholes which have appeared in the new surface. 

Emergency road closures were put in place on both Friday and Monday to repair the temporary surface. 

Work on the carriageway is not expected to be completed until summer 2024, although it is now beyond the halfway mark in the project.