A1(M) junctions 6 to 8, Statutory Instrument Consultation (variable mandatory speed limits

Overview

The A1(M) between junctions 6 and 8 in Hertfordshire is one of the busiest sections of the A1 between London and Leeds. The volume of traffic exceeds the road’s capacity during peak periods, resulting in congestion.

The number of cars using this route is likely to rise. These junctions are close to existing or proposed housing developments, and the area has the potential for up to 13,000 new homes by 2030. 

Highways England is planning to convert this section of the A1(M) to become a smart motorway, which will increase the road’s capacity by 50%. On completion, there will be a continuous three-lane motorway between junction 3 (Hatfield) and junction 9 (Baldock and Letchworth).

The section of the motorway between junction 6 and 8 will be ‘all lane running’, which means that the hard shoulder will be converted into a permanent lane for drivers to use, to help reduce congestion. Variable speed limits will be used to smooth the traffic flow.

The provision of an additional lane and introduction of variable mandatory speed limits will help to alleviate this congestion. It is expected that the smart motorways scheme will:

• increase motorway capacity and reduce congestion

• smooth traffic flows

• provide more reliable journey times

• increase and improve the quality of information for the driver (in relation to the operation of the motorway).

The use of variable mandatory speed limits is essential to achieving the objectives above. Through the introduction of technology, we aim to make best use of the existing road space.

Please view the Consultation Document below to read more about our proposals.

Comments on the introduction of variable mandatory speed limits

We would like to encourage any organisations, businesses or individuals affected by these proposals to contact us and communicate their views. If you are responding on behalf of an organisation, it would be helpful if you could note this in your reply. Please also indicate the nature of the organisation; how many individuals’ views are included in the response and ways in which these views were gathered.

Sending your consultation response

You can provide your views by completing our online survey below.

If you'd prefer to submit your response in writing, please complete the response form in our consultation document and return to us by post or by email to the addresses below. Please ensure your response reaches us by 23:59 on 9 March 2020.

Stephen Bird

Project Manager

A1(M) Junctions 6-8, Smart Motorway Scheme

Highways England

2 Colmore Square

Queensway

Birmingham

B4 6BN

Email: A1MJ6-8@highwaysengland.co.uk

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