Motorists on the section of the M42 where driving on the hard shoulder is permitted during peak times can now drive on the shoulder at up to 60mph.

The 10mph increase in the maximum speed comes after a safety study, which found that hard shoulder running can safely be operated at 60mph.

It also follows confirmation last week that the Government is stepping up work on new congestion-busting techniques proposed for roll-out on motorways across the country.

Similar schemes will be introduced on the M1, M6 and M62.