§ Mr. WilshireTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the working of the variable speed limits on the M25 and on his plans to extend the lengths of the motorway covered by these regulations. [20928]
§ Mr. WattsI have asked the chief executive of the Highways Agency to write to my hon. Friend.
Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. David Wilshire, dated 25 March 1996:
The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your recent question about variable speed limits on the M25.Variable speed limits have been operating since the end of August 1995. We have been able to show that the system is capable of effectively controlling vehicle speeds during peak conditions, and the vast majority of drivers appear to appreciate that the system will ease conditions for them.More data is needed about the precise effect on the traffic flows, traffic safety and possible changes to driving patterns before we can determine the extent to which the system can be used elsewhere on the network.