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Trucks face further overtaking bans
Page 9
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THE HIGHWAYS Agency (HA), which manages the UK's motorways, says in its latest business plan that it will introduce more overtaking restrictions for trucks.
The restrictions follow what the agency describes as a successful trial on the M42, where it says the overtaking ban has "helped to keep traffic moving and reduced accidents". It plans to introduce similar bans "on appropriate stretches of the network" over the next three years.
The agency, in conjunction with Vosa. is also planning a crackdown on overweight trucks, with additional weighing devices being introduced at 13 sites on the motorway network. Road impror. ements highlighted in the 2008/09 business plan include the continued widening of the MI between junctions 6A and 10, and awarding the 30-year private finance contract to design. build, finance and operate 63 miles of the M25.
The HAs latest business plan comes in the 50th anniversary year of the completion of the UK's first stretch of motorway. Although more motorway is being built. much of the agency's focus is on improving the use of existing roads.
The plan highlights the previously announced measures to extend hard-shoulder running on motorways, as well as introducing CCTV, queue detection systems and variable message signs on other parts of the network.
HA chief executive Archie Robertson says: It is clear our aims are to provide the information and infrastructure necessary to help drivers use our roads in a safe and reliable way."
Geoff Dossetter. external affairs director for the Freight Transport Association (FTA), says that while measures to make traffic run more smoothly are welcome, new roads need to be built as well.
• Download the HA% 2008/09 business plan from www.highways. gov.uldaboutus/18403.aspx