Recipe for chaos
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It was interesting to hear the alternative proposals to the M25 widening scheme offered by the Home Counties rebel Tory MPs (CM 27 Jan.2 Feb).
However, I am certain that their constituents will not welcome them when they realise that they would cause far more congestion on the motorway and clog up the periphery towns which they are supposed to be protecting.
Multiple passenger lanes work in Los Angeles and Washington because the flow of traffic is from out of town into the town centre. It could work from different residential areas into the centre of London if the roads were adequate. But on the M25 the flow is circular from numerous departure areas to numerous destinations around the periphery.
The proposal to move single-occupant cars from the outside lane to the inner two lanes would mean that over 70% of the traffic would be restricted to two lanes. Add to that the fact that WV speed limiters will cause lorry overtaking problems in the centre lane and you have all the ingredients for chaos. For this, the motorist will be charged.
Will any sane driver pay for greater chaos than already exists on the M25 during peak hours? I certainly doubt it.
The short cuts and rat runs would be exploited to the full. The sufferers will be the residents of those towns and villages adjacent to the motorways This diversionary traffic will only increase further unless the motorway is widened.
Mike. Freeman, Controller of infrastructure, Road Haulage Association, Weybri dge, Surrey