M1 junctions 13 to 16 smart motorway

Overview

We are consulting on the proposed implementation of variable mandatory speed limits within the M1 junction 13 to 16 smart motorway scheme.

Why do we need the variable mandatory speed limits?

The M1 motorway is a strategic route for local, regional and international traffic, and plays a major role as:

• A national artery stretching 311km (193.6 miles) between London, the Midlands and Leeds.
• A major inter-urban regional route connecting major M1 corridor conurbations and providing access to important international gateways. It now links a number of major centres including Luton, Milton Keynes, Leicester, Northampton and Sheffield.

The scheme is part of Highways England’s programme to add capacity to the existing strategic road network in order to support economic growth and maintain mobility. 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.

Comments on the introduction of variable mandatory speed limits

We would like to encourage any organisations, businesses or individuals affected by these proposals to make contact with 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 respond to the consultation by completing our online survey below.

Alternatively, you can complete the consultation response form located in Appendix B of the Consultation brochure and return it to us by email or by post to the following addresses. Please include ‘M1 J13-16 Consultation on Statutory Instrument - Response’ in the title of the email, and mark it for the attention of Debraj De.

Please ensure that your response reaches us by 11:59pm on 23rd April 2018.

Email: M1J13-16Smart@highwaysengland.co.uk

Post: Debraj De

Project Manager

Highways England

5 St. Phillips Place

Birmingham

B3 2PW