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| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Highways Agency seeks views on M25 speed change | Highways Agency seeks views on M25 speed change |
| (about 2 hours later) | |
| Views are being sought on a plan to enforce variable speed limits on a stretch of the M25 after the hard shoulder becomes a fourth lane. | Views are being sought on a plan to enforce variable speed limits on a stretch of the M25 after the hard shoulder becomes a fourth lane. |
| A £250m scheme to create the extra lane between Junction 5 in Kent and Junction 7 in Surrey, which links to the M23 and Gatwick, will start in November. | A £250m scheme to create the extra lane between Junction 5 in Kent and Junction 7 in Surrey, which links to the M23 and Gatwick, will start in November. |
| The Highways Agency is consulting people about the motorway speed limit change. | |
| Highways Agency spokesman Martin Potts said M25 traffic flow would improve. | Highways Agency spokesman Martin Potts said M25 traffic flow would improve. |
| 'Controlling flow' | 'Controlling flow' |
| He said the agency wanted to hear from key stakeholders, the haulage industry and other groups. | He said the agency wanted to hear from key stakeholders, the haulage industry and other groups. |
| "We have got a road that currently runs nominally at 70mph, albeit when there is congestion the traffic is flowing at somewhat less than that," he said. | "We have got a road that currently runs nominally at 70mph, albeit when there is congestion the traffic is flowing at somewhat less than that," he said. |
| "By introducing variable speed limits at times of congestion we step the speed down to 60mph and 50mph. | "By introducing variable speed limits at times of congestion we step the speed down to 60mph and 50mph. |
| "This is important because in stepping those speeds down, we're controlling flow." | "This is important because in stepping those speeds down, we're controlling flow." |
| Mr Potts said a similar scheme on the M42 in the West Midlands had led to a reduction of about 50% in incidents on the road. He also said accidents on the road had become less severe. | Mr Potts said a similar scheme on the M42 in the West Midlands had led to a reduction of about 50% in incidents on the road. He also said accidents on the road had become less severe. |
| The scheme will see emergency refuge lay-bys along the stretch of the road, CCTV installed and electronic signs on gantries to deal with lane closures, road accidents and other incidents, Mr Potts added. | The scheme will see emergency refuge lay-bys along the stretch of the road, CCTV installed and electronic signs on gantries to deal with lane closures, road accidents and other incidents, Mr Potts added. |
| The scheme is due to be finished in 2014, he said. |