Dip highlights M25 fog spots all round
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SUBSTANTIAL sections of the M25 London ringway, including the two sections still to be opened, have been identified as fog prone in a new Department of Transport report.
The report, prompted by last Ikcember's pile-up in which 10 people died after 22 vehicles collided on the Surrey/Kent section, has identified 28 sections of the motorway where fog is likely to occur.
This is most likely where cold air is trapped in valley bottoms or road cuttings, near rivers, canals, lakes or trees, or in country areas with poor drainage.
Tralisport Minister Lynda Chalker said last week: “Technology has not yet reached the stage at which we can make the tbg disperse, so we can only warn drivers to expect it ahead.
The 1)Tp has already installed fog detection equipment on the section in the Mole Valley, near Leatherhead (Surrey), linked to police headquarters, and it is investigating ways of extending its use.
Said Chalker: "We are also installing a new system of matrix warning signals on the M25. This programme has been accelerated by a whole year and the new signals will be in place on the motorway by the end of 1987. We iire considering installing additional lighting if it is economically and environmentally feasible."
She warned drivers: "When they see fog or a fog warning, they should slow down to a speed which they can stop in the distance they can See ahead. They should use their headlights and screen wipers, and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in rrkint."
The sections with rug risk include the Hertfordshire and Kent sections which have still to open.