Previous trials of hard shoulder running, such as on the M42, have only been in operation at certain times but under the new changes, two sections of the motorway opening today (14th April) and next month, will, for the first time on a motorway scheme in England, have the hard shoulder converted for use as a permanent traffic lane for drivers. The sections also use enhanced technology to manage traffic flow to improve the reliability of journey times.
The move, which is to be repeated on other motorways, has been heralded by the Highways Agency as improving journey time reliability for drivers.
John Martin, Highways Agency senior project manager, said of the new hard shoulder running: ‘We are now asking drivers to get smart and find out more about how to use it, the types of signs and signals they will see and what to do in the event of a breakdown.
‘This really is the start of a new age on England’s motorways.’
However the Freight Transport Association (FTA) has expressed concern that motorists may not be aware of the how these changes will affect their driving.
Malcolm Bingham, FTA’s head of road network management policy, said: ‘With the opening of the two stretches of the M25 Smart Motorway imminent, FTA is concerned that motorists need to fully understand how these stretches of road will work. The changes that have been made are quite significant, so drivers must become familiar with the types of new signs and signals they will see and what they should do in the event of a breakdown.’
The initial section of the M25 Smart Motorway is between Junctions 23 (A1M/South Mimms exit) to 25 (Potters Bar) Monday 14 April, with the second stretch to be opened between junctions 5 (Sevenoaks/A21) to 7 (M23 exit) in May 2014
A public information campaign to help drivers find out more about smart motorways includes information online, on YouTube, in retail outlets such as motorway service areas, radio advertising, and leaflets, For further information please visit http://www.highways.gov.uk/publications/smart-motorways-campaign-material/ Bingham added: ‘Whilst any improvements to make journey times more reliable are always good news, FTA is saying that drivers need to make themselves aware of the changes to the road. The Highways Agency has produced an information leaflet on the new “Smart Motorway” operation, and the Association is urging fleet operators and their drivers to look to the advice provided and ensure that they are as smart in the use or the road as the technology is on these new sections.’
