PERMISSION to continue restricting speed to 40mph through Hatfield Tunnel on the A1(M) is set to be granted.

PERMISSION to continue restricting speed to 40mph through Hatfield Tunnel on the A1(M) is set to be granted.

Although the Highways Agency has again confirmed it is on schedule to complete the revamp works and lift restrictions on schedule in May, it has requested an extension to its current traffic order.

The current order runs out on May 1 and a public notice is asking for an extension until Tuesday, August 2.

The notice states: “It is expected the work will continue for approximately three months.”

But a Highways Agency spokeswoman said this was just a formality.

She said: “This is just in case anything is wrong, it is normal procedure, not that we expect anything to go wrong, it’s just a precaution.”