All contents copyright ©, Drive and Stay Alive, Inc., 2003 onwards, unless specified otherwise. All rights reserved.

IMPORTANT: click here to read the DISCLAIMER

13% Fewer Motorway Crashes and Smoother, More Reliable Journeys for Motorway Drivers 

6 December, 2004

Results from two Highways Agency motorway trials published today show significant safety benefits for drivers and improvements in journey reliability, said David Jamieson, the U.K. Transport Minister.

First, the queue (i.e. traffic jam, or tailback) warning system on motorways has been found to reduce crashes by 13 per cent a year. This equals almost £40 million of crash saving benefits each year for the 800km (500 miles) of motorway where it operates. Signs automatically warn drivers who are approaching queuing traffic (a tailback). The system works through sensors in the road surface, which detect slowing traffic speeds.

Second, the variable speed limit system on the M25, known as controlled motorways, has resulted in steadier and less stressful journeys, and thus reduced the number and severity of crashes. Injury accidents reduced by 10 per cent and damage only accidents by 30 per cent. The controlled motorways system sets reduced speed limits depending on traffic flows.

Mr Jamieson said: "The system provides drivers with smoother, more reliable journeys and with early warning of queues ahead. The report concludes there could be benefits from applying the controlled motorways system to other motorways."

The queue warning system achieved a reduction of 13 per cent - or 419 - fatal, serious, and slight injury crashes and over 3,000 damage only accidents a year. By March 2005 the system will be installed on 825 kms (515 miles) of English motorways.

Notes

1. The Highways Agency is an executive agency of the Department for Transport. It manages, maintains and improves the network of trunk roads and motorways in England on behalf of the Secretary of State. It works closely with other transport operators and with local authorities to integrate the trunk road network with the rest of England's roads and other forms of travel.

2. Summary reports on both projects are available on the Highways Agency's website www.highways.gov.uk

Source: HIGHWAYS AGENCY News Release issued by the Government News Network on 6 December 2004