M62 junctions 20 to 25 smart motorway – Statutory Instrument Consultation

Overview

We are consulting on the proposed implementation of variable mandatory speed limits within the M62 junctions 20 to 25 smart motorway scheme.

Why do we need Variable Mandatory Speed Limits?

The M62 is the only east-west motorway spanning the north of England. Running between Merseyside and Yorkshire through Cheshire and Lancashire, it serves as both a regional route for longer distance trips and as an important inter-urban route between the Manchester and Leeds city regions.

The government’s Northern Powerhouse strategy identified a need for improved east-west major road links to ensure better and more reliable journey times between the major cities within the north.

This scheme involves upgrading the existing M62 motorway between junctions 20 and 25 to reduce congestion, smooth the flow of traffic and improve journey time reliability. 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'd like to encourage any organisations, businesses or individuals affected by these proposals to contact us and give us their views. If you're 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
• the 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 Document and return it to us by email or by post to the following address.

Please include ‘M62 J20-25 smart motorway statutory instrument consultation’ in the title of the email, and mark it for the attention of Emmanuel Otemu.

Please ensure that your response reaches us by Thursday 26 September 2019.

• Email: M62J20-25@highwaysengland.co.uk
• Post: Emmanuel Otemu, Project Manager, Highways England, 2 Colmore Square, Birmingham, B4 6BN