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M25-style variable speed limits extended to M42
Page 16
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A jam bustin scheme has been launched on the M42, using techniques pioneered on the M25 Guy Sheppard reports.
VARIABLE SPEED limits were introduced on the M42 in the West Midlands this week (28 November) in a bid to case rush-hour congestion. Electronic signs over each lane of the motorway between Junctions 3A and 7 are being used to alert drivers to the mandatory speed limit changes.
The Highways Agency says a similar scheme on the M25 has reduced injury accidents by 10% and cut stop-start traffic by 6%. But hauliers who regularly use the M42 remain sceptical about the potential benefits.
Lorraine Hickman. transport
manager of I lickmans of Kidderminster. says: "Unless it is policed effectively and efficiently from day one it will simply increase people's frustration. Sonic will follow the limits and others will ignore them."
Hickmans has stopped using the northbound carriageway of the M42 during the early evening because it is so congested.
Steve Morris, supervisor at Tooles'fransport in Droitwich.says: -Let's suck it and see. You can't knock it until it has happened."
The Highways Agency says the scheme is one of several measures being introduced to cut congestion in the region. From 2(1)7 the hard shoulder of the M42 will be used for traffic during congested periods: "emergenCy refuge areas" will pro vide havens for stranded vehicles. An experimental overtaking ban for HGVs is in place on the two-lane stretch near Tamworth.