Proposals to set up a 60mph speed limit on a 32-mile stretch of the M1 are another piece of motorway madness.

Modern cars with significantly more environmentally friendly engines are designed for motorways and appropriate speeds. This will not improve the environment, as many gearboxes are designed with fifth and sixth gears.

The average family car engine performs most efficiently at about 2,000 to 2,500 revolutions, so speed has very little to do with it. This is why lower limits actually increase pollution.

Cars are in only second or third gear in the 20mph zones. Fourth gear up to 50/60 mph and the overdrive or fifth and sixth for high speed cruising will be left dormant.

This is not about the environment or road safety but yet another attempt to screw more money out of motorists with fines and a bigger strategic EU plan to force motorists off the road altogether.

Godfrey Bloom, MEP for Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire.