M25 limit scheme to be tried on other M-ways
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• Early results of the traffic control pilot scheme on the M25 show it has been so successful it is likely to be used on other parts of the motorway net w( The .£12.5m variable speed limit scheme was introduced last August as a one-year pilot project by transport secretary Sir George Young.
Road sensors detect traffic build-ups and automatically reduce the limit to 50 or 60mph. Vehicles exceeding the reduced speed limits are recorded by overhead cameras with the owners getting a £40 fine and three penalty points. Preliminary results show accident rates have fallen by around 30% and average speeds have increased, reducing congestion on one of the busiest sections of motorway in the country.
The Highways Agency is now looking at whether to extend the scheme for another year or introduce it permanently on other sections.
The agency is currently carrying out driver attitude surveys to see whether the scheme is as popular with motorists as it is with police and the Government.