M25 scheme keeps drivers informed
03 September 2007
- Roadside signs highlight journey times
- Information on hold-ups also available
- Other M25 improvements ready three months early
Drivers on the M25 will be given information on journey times via electronic roadside signs in a bid to keep them informed of potential hold-ups.
The signs give information on travel times to specific junctions on the M25, which is Europe's busiest motorway.
The information is calculated using automatic numberplate recognition technology on cars travelling on the roads, which is combined with historical traffic data to give an estimated journey time.
Journey times are recalculated every five minutes unless there is an incident, in which case the system reverts to showing an expected delay time.
The scheme has been trialled in the West Midlands and throughout south-west England with success, and the Highways Agency plans to expand the service throughout the country.
'We are making the best use of technology to help drivers find out about traffic conditions on their route both before they leave and during their journey,' said roads minister Tom Harris.
The Highways Agency has also launched traffic radio, which is available to DAB digital radio listeners.
By spring 2008 it also plans to make the CCTV pictures it uses to assess hold ups on roads available via the internet.
Holmesdale Tunnel improvements
Drivers will also benefit from the completion of work around the Holmesdale Tunnel and junction 25 section of the M25.
The £75 million project to refurbish the road and add extra lanes in the tunnel and eastbound past junction 25 has been completed three months ahead of schedule
An estimated 120,000 vehicles use the upgraded section of the M25 every day.
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