DRIVERS caught speeding during roadworks on the M60 and M62 have not been prosecuted after a mix up between police and transport bosses.

Bolton motorists who may have flouted the 50mph speed limit on the orbital motorway have not been fined, because police asked The Highways Agency to make changes to the document which allows the speed limit to be changed.

It is understood that the temporary traffic regulations order is in the process of being changed to make sure the speed limit can be properly enforced in the near future.

The speed limit is being imposed on a 17-mile stretch of the motorway, from the M60 at Sale to the M62 at Rochdale, while work to create a "smart motorway" is carried out.

The £208 million scheme is set to finish by autumn 2017.

Police and the Highways Agency have urged motorists to adhere to to the speed limit for their own safety and the safety of workers at the roadside, especially as lanes are currently being narrowed as part of the work.

A Highways Agency spokesman said: "In order to allow the speed limit to be reduced while we carry out roadworks across our network, a legally binding and enforceable document, known as a temporary traffic regulations order is produced.

"On the M60/M62 the temporary regulation order enables us to reduce the speed limit to 50mph to enhance the safety of road users and out workforce while these vital improvements are taking place.

"Greater Manchester Police, who are responsible for enforcement on this scheme, have requested that we make minor revisions to the wording of the temporary traffic regulation order for the M60/M62 to make sure it fully meets their requirements.

"We urge drivers to be responsible and to adhere to the speed limit, which has been put in place for their own safety and that of our workforce."

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police added: "The speed limit has been reduced on part of the M60 and M62 for the safety of the public and of the staff carrying out the road works.

"While GMP understands that this may be frustrating for some road users, there is no excuse to break the speed limit or to jeopardise the safety of other road users or to put the motorway maintenance staff in danger."