Congestion busting lane proposed for M1

A dedicated lane, reserved for vehicles carrying two or more people, is part of a trial scheme to reduce congestion and improve journey times on the M1 motorway.

Transport Secretary Alistair Darling announced Britain's first High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) scheme for the M1 yesterday. The scheme will be trialled on the M1 between junctions 7 and 10 from Milton Keynes South to St Albans and the car sharing lane will operate at peak times to help minimise delay and congestion for road users.

Mr Darling said: “The government is determined to tackle congestion - adding capacity where necessary and making better use of existing road space. Carpool lanes encourage drivers to share their vehicle by providing dedicated lanes for vehicles with passengers.

“Making better use of our road network, these lanes have been used to great effect both in America and Australia and could play a key role in reducing congestion on Britain's motorways. I hope motorists will be encouraged to consider carpooling and take advantage of the new lanes. It works elsewhere and there is no reason why it can't work here as well."

Work to widen the motorway from Junctions 7 to 10 from dual three lanes to dual four lanes is due to start in Autumn 2005.

If the scheme proves successful, the Government will consider extending the car-sharing lane as far as Junction 13 when this section of the motorway is widened.

Three other portions of English motorways were also studied by the Highways Agency to see whether the sites would be suitable for a pilot scheme: M3 Junction 3 to 2 (into London); M61 Junction 6 to 3 (near Bolton); and M62 Junction 25 to 27 (Brighouse to Leeds).

Further investigations into introducing car-sharing lanes on the M61 and M62 will be conducted.

Car sharing lanes are already in use in Leeds, South Gloucestershire and in other countries including Australia and the United States.

Car sharing, if it were adopted widely, could mean 5% fewer cars on the road.

(SP/MB)