28/09/2006

UK motorway roadworks 'the best in Europe'

Roadworks on English motorways are safer, better designed and more clearly signposted than the rest of Europe, according to a new survey.

The independent survey by the AA Motoring Trust and its European partners used sophisticated vehicle-mounted technology to inspect roadworks in 10 European countries.

England moved from third place last year to the top position this year, ahead of Germany and Holland.

Of the 53 European sites surveyed, daytime roadworks on the M42 near Birmingham were ranked highest of all, receiving a grading of almost 100%.

Six sites were inspected, both at night and during the day, apart from the site on the M5 near Taunton, which was only inspected during the day.

The, M42 site, the M1 near Hemel Hempstead and M25 near Cheshunt sites were rated as "very good" during the day, while checks at the M5 site near Clevedon was rated "good" for both day and night, and the Taunton site was rated "good" during the day.

The M42 site was rated as "acceptable" at night, while the M1 site scored a "very good" rating and the M25 site scored a "good" night rating.

Both daytime and night-time works on the M1 near Watford received "very good" ratings, with inspectors noting driver information and roadworker safety as particularly impressive.

Commenting on the results, Roads Minister Stephen Ladyman, said: "The Highways Agency always strives to minimise the disruption and safety risks associated with roadworks whilst keeping the traffic moving. I am delighted that this survey has recognised the Agency's road network management expertise as innovative and truly world class."

(KMcA/EF)

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