16 January 2007.

HARD SHOULDER RUNNING ON M42 IS OFF TO A GOOD START

In answer to a Parliamentary Question from Stafford’s Labour MP David Kidney, the Roads Minister Stephen Ladyman MP has given his initial assessment of the introduction of hard shoulder running on the M42.

The Question from David Kidney asked for the Minister’s assessment with particular reference to road safety. In his Written Answer, the Minister says that systems are working efficiently, congestion has been reduced and road safety has been improved.

The Minister accepts, however, that these are early days and says that a fuller evaluation will be undertaken in the Autumn.  David Kidney is pleased that the first pilot scheme for using the hard shoulder as a driving lane has been introduced successfully:

“The West Midlands is the location for this first test of hard shoulder running in England. When the Government announced its plans, I secured a debate in Parliament in order to test the thinking behind the scheme, especially as regards the arrangements for maintaining road safety. A lot of people expressed to me their concern over this aspect of the scheme.

“I am glad that the introduction of hard shoulder running last September has worked well. I am pleased that the scheme is being monitored and that there will be a fuller evaluation of its operation later this year. I hope my vigilance, and the Department for Transport’s measured approach to the scheme’s introduction will help allay any fears that constituents might have about the safety of hard shoulder running on our motorways in appropriate places”.
 

Editor’s Note:  Here is a link to the Hansard record of the Question & Answer
http://pubs1.tso.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmhansrd/cm070111/text/70111w0002.htm#07011187000038