Sections of the M1 between Leics and South Yorkshire will be extended to five lanes in a major project.

But Friends of the Earth has joined local groups in predicting the project would generate more traffic and increase pollution levels.

In response, the Road Haulage Association said an upgraded route was vital for the nation's economy.

New roads will simply attract more traffic until the congestion reaches its former level Herbert Eppel, Friends of the Earth

The Highways Agency plans to expand the 51-mile stretch of three-lane sections between junctions 21 to 31, into four with an additional crawler lane on hills for lorries to use.

It said the changes were necessary as traffic in the area was predicted to rise by up to 60% within the next 25 years.

But Friends of the Earth said money should be invested in other forms of transport, and encouraging people to travel less instead.

Herbert Eppel, from the group, said: "It has been shown that new roads will simply attract more traffic until the congestion reaches its former level.

"The whole scheme is very short-sighted and it is not a solution for the 21st Century."

Construction work is scheduled to begin in 2007.