The M25 will not be part of the hard shoulder running scheme to be rolled out by the Department for Transport.
While the DfT was pleased with the results of trials held on the M42 around Birmingham, it has confirmed that the London Orbital will not be considered for the active traffic management (ATM) scheme.
‘Results from the M42 showed that ATM can be very effective at cutting congestion. However, we have also been clear that ATM will not be the right solution for all roads, nor can it bring all the benefits of widening,’ said a DfT spokesman.
‘The M25 is a key strategic route which is critical to the UK economy and has some of the highest traffic flows in Europe. There is a strong case for providing an additional permanent lane along this route.'
The DfT says widening can be completed without any land-take beyond the existing highway boundary and the Highways Agency will use variable speed limits – similar to those in use on the M42 scheme – in order to smooth traffic flow and minimise vehicle emissions.
