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10/12/2004
Congestion busting lane proposed for M1
A dedicated lane, reserved for vehicles carrying two or more people, is part of a trial scheme to reduce congestion and improve journey times on the M1 motorway.
Transport Secretary Alistair Darling announced Britain's first High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) scheme for the M1 yesterday. The scheme will be trialled on the M1 between junctions 7 and 10 from Milton Keynes South to St Albans and the car sharing lane will operate at peak times to help minimise delay and congestion for road users.
Mr Darling said: “The government is determined to tackle congestion - adding capacity where necessary and making better use of existing road space. Carpool lanes encourage drivers to share their vehicle by providing dedicated lanes for vehicles with passengers.
“Making better use of our road network, these lanes have been used to great effect both in America and Australia and could play a key role in reducing congestion on Britain's motorways. I hope motorists will be encouraged to consider carpooling and take advantage of the new lanes. It works elsewhere and there is no reason why it can't work here as well."
Work to widen the motorway from Junctions 7 to 10 from dual three lanes to dual four lanes is due to start in Autumn 2005.
If the scheme proves successful, the Government will consider extending the car-sharing lane as far as Junction 13 when this section of the motorway is widened.
Three other portions of English motorways were also studied by the Highways Agency to see whether the sites would be suitable for a pilot scheme: M3 Junction 3 to 2 (into London); M61 Junction 6 to 3 (near Bolton); and M62 Junction 25 to 27 (Brighouse to Leeds).
Further investigations into introducing car-sharing lanes on the M61 and M62 will be conducted.
Car sharing lanes are already in use in Leeds, South Gloucestershire and in other countries including Australia and the United States.
Car sharing, if it were adopted widely, could mean 5% fewer cars on the road.
(SP/MB)
Transport Secretary Alistair Darling announced Britain's first High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) scheme for the M1 yesterday. The scheme will be trialled on the M1 between junctions 7 and 10 from Milton Keynes South to St Albans and the car sharing lane will operate at peak times to help minimise delay and congestion for road users.
Mr Darling said: “The government is determined to tackle congestion - adding capacity where necessary and making better use of existing road space. Carpool lanes encourage drivers to share their vehicle by providing dedicated lanes for vehicles with passengers.
“Making better use of our road network, these lanes have been used to great effect both in America and Australia and could play a key role in reducing congestion on Britain's motorways. I hope motorists will be encouraged to consider carpooling and take advantage of the new lanes. It works elsewhere and there is no reason why it can't work here as well."
Work to widen the motorway from Junctions 7 to 10 from dual three lanes to dual four lanes is due to start in Autumn 2005.
If the scheme proves successful, the Government will consider extending the car-sharing lane as far as Junction 13 when this section of the motorway is widened.
Three other portions of English motorways were also studied by the Highways Agency to see whether the sites would be suitable for a pilot scheme: M3 Junction 3 to 2 (into London); M61 Junction 6 to 3 (near Bolton); and M62 Junction 25 to 27 (Brighouse to Leeds).
Further investigations into introducing car-sharing lanes on the M61 and M62 will be conducted.
Car sharing lanes are already in use in Leeds, South Gloucestershire and in other countries including Australia and the United States.
Car sharing, if it were adopted widely, could mean 5% fewer cars on the road.
(SP/MB)
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11 October 2004
New motorway signs pilot urges drivers to 'keep left'
The Highways Agency has begun a week-long pilot for two new motorway message signs which are designed to urge safer and better use of road capacity. Two new safety messages - urging motorway drivers to 'Keep Left Unless Overtaking' and 'Don't Hog the Middle Lane' – have been in use on the M1, M6, M18 and M62 from 10am this morning.
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The Highways Agency has begun a week-long pilot for two new motorway message signs which are designed to urge safer and better use of road capacity. Two new safety messages - urging motorway drivers to 'Keep Left Unless Overtaking' and 'Don't Hog the Middle Lane' – have been in use on the M1, M6, M18 and M62 from 10am this morning.
31 August 2006
Hard shoulder to be opened to motorists
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Hard shoulder to be opened to motorists
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25 October 2007
Government Plans To Beat Motorway Jams
Motorists will soon be allowed to drive on the hard shoulder of motorways during busy times, under new plans to tackle traffic congestion announced by the government.
Government Plans To Beat Motorway Jams
Motorists will soon be allowed to drive on the hard shoulder of motorways during busy times, under new plans to tackle traffic congestion announced by the government.
12 September 2014
Police Appeal For Witnesses To Fatal Car Park Accident
A two-year-old girl has died after being hit by a car in a north-west London supermarket car park. Police have appealed for witnesses. Metropolitan Police has said that the child was hit by a vehicle in the car park of Asda in Forty Lane, Wembley. She was treated by paramedics but later died in hospital.
Police Appeal For Witnesses To Fatal Car Park Accident
A two-year-old girl has died after being hit by a car in a north-west London supermarket car park. Police have appealed for witnesses. Metropolitan Police has said that the child was hit by a vehicle in the car park of Asda in Forty Lane, Wembley. She was treated by paramedics but later died in hospital.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
