DRIVERS have welcomed the news that the temporary speed limit on the A40 Westway will be increased this weekend.
Transport for London (TfL) dropped the limit from 50 to 30mph in February as it made repairs to the expansion joints.
But a lack of notice or explanation left many motorists, including Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson, baffled at the move.
But TfL will put the limit up to 40mph on the eastbound carriageway on Sunday morning, and on the westbound carriageway one week later. They say it should be back to 50mph by late summer.
The news has been welcomed by Loftus Road Residents' Association chairman Virginia Ironside who said the restrictions are being ignored by drivers.
She said: "This is excellent news. We all knew it was a temporary restriction but there has been no signage to indicate that at all.
"Many drivers completely ignore the limit because they know there are no cameras along that stretch. A lot of them just still drive 50 along there and it can be a bit chaotic.
"But the sooner it is back to 50mph the better."
Blogger Martin Lewis echoed that view on his moneysavingexpert.com website back in March saying: "As a frequent scooter rider, it is virtually impossible to stick to the speed limit. There are no speed cameras on the road, so most people still go at the old limit, leaving it tough to stick to the new one."
A TfL spokesman said they are waiting for maintenance parts to be manufactured and delivered to complete the final stage of the work.
He said: "Since February 2011, TfL has temporarily reduced the speed limit on the A40 Westway from 50 to 30mph while bridge maintenance work is carried out to safeguard several of the expansion joints on the flyover.
"Work is progressing well and TfL is now in a position to increase the speed limit to the Eastbound carriageway to 40mph from May 15.
"Following further works next week, TfL will look to increase the westbound carriageway to 40mph as well from May 22.
"Work will continue throughout the summer to carry out further repair works on the A40 Westway, with a look to return the speed limit to 50mph later this year."
