M23 junctions 8 to 10 Smart Motorway

Overview

We are consulting on the proposal to implement variable mandatory speed limits (VMSL) on M23 junction 8 to 10 (the scheme) and a permanent 50mph speed limit on the westbound carriageway of Gatwick Spur from M23 junction 9 to junction 9a.

We are keen to have your comments on the proposal; specifically on how the proposal could affect you, your organisation or those you represent.

Why do we need the variable mandatory speed limits?

The M23 motorway is a strategic route for local and regional traffic and plays a major role as an inter-urban regional route connecting Crawley and Gatwick Airport to the M25 motorway and routes into London. This section of the M23 carries in excess of 111,000 vehicles per day.

The scheme is part of the Highways England 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
• provide more reliable journey times for the customer
• smooth traffic flows
• reduce the severity of accidents
• increase and improve the quality of information for the customer

The use of VMSL is an essential element in achieving the objectives above. Through the introduction of technology the aim is to make best use of the existing road space.

Why do we need a Permanent 50mph speed limit on the westbound carriageway of Gatwick spur?

The scheme includes the introduction of all-lane running on the Gatwick Spur but only on the westbound carriageway. It is also proposed to provide a reduced permanent speed limit of 50 mph on the westbound spur to mitigate for not having queue detection or warning systems in place. Three lanes for the whole length of the westbound carriageway will also allow lane designations for the roundabout to be provided earlier, increasing the weaving length. Whilst the loss of the hard shoulder on the westbound carriageway has some potential adverse safety impacts, this is further offset by the safety benefits achieved through removal of illegal stopping/parking.

Comments on the proposals

We would like to encourage 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 the ways in which these views were gathered.

Responses can be sent in writing (email or by post) to the addresses below. Please let us have your comments by Monday 15th January 2018.

Salman Asad - Project Manager

Highways England, 5 St Philips Place, Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 2PW

Or alternatively send to the following email address:

M23J8_10Smart@highwaysengland.co.uk

Please include ‘M23 J8-10 Consultation on Statutory Instrument’ in the title of the email, and mark it for the attention of Salman Asad.