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M42 hard shoulder open to drivers M42 hard shoulder open to drivers
(about 1 hour later)
Motorists are being allowed to drive on the hard shoulder of a motorway in a bid to beat peak-hour congestion.Motorists are being allowed to drive on the hard shoulder of a motorway in a bid to beat peak-hour congestion.
Drivers will be directed to use the hard shoulder on an 11-mile stretch of the M42, from south of Birmingham and through Warwickshire, at certain times.Drivers will be directed to use the hard shoulder on an 11-mile stretch of the M42, from south of Birmingham and through Warwickshire, at certain times.
A red cross on a sign above the hard shoulder between junctions 3a and 7 will tell drivers when it is closed. A 50mph speed limit warning over the hard shoulder between junctions 3a and 7 will tell drivers when it is in use.
A Highways Agency spokesman said the scheme was an alternative to widening the motorway.A Highways Agency spokesman said the scheme was an alternative to widening the motorway.
Control room operatorsControl room operators
Operators will be able to open and close individual lanes "within seconds" if operators spot a broken down car or any other hazard, the Highways Agency said.Operators will be able to open and close individual lanes "within seconds" if operators spot a broken down car or any other hazard, the Highways Agency said.
A red cross sign over the hard should will tell motorists when the lane cannot be used.
Drivers in difficulties can also pull into new lay-bys.Drivers in difficulties can also pull into new lay-bys.
Roads minister, Stephen Ladyman, said: "This scheme is an important part of a package of measures the Highways Agency is using to cut congestion in the West Midlands."Roads minister, Stephen Ladyman, said: "This scheme is an important part of a package of measures the Highways Agency is using to cut congestion in the West Midlands."
The scheme was trialled between 29 August and 7 September so control room operators could familiarise themselves with the new system.The scheme was trialled between 29 August and 7 September so control room operators could familiarise themselves with the new system.