M1 23a to 25 smart motorway

Overview

We are consulting on the proposed implementation of variable mandatory speed limits within the M1 junction 23a to 25 smart motorway scheme.

Why do we need the variable mandatory speed limits?

This section of the M1 carries in excess of 130,000 vehicles per day (based on 2014 annual average daily traffic northbound and southbound values) with a trend of higher than average casualties on the strategic road network based on 2010- 2014 data. 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 would like to encourage any organisations, businesses or individuals affected by these proposals to make contact with us and communicate their views.

If you are 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 and ways in which these views were gathered.

You can view full details of our proposals in the consultation brochure. You can then complete the consultation response form (located in Appendix A) and either post it or email it to us.

Email: M1.J23a-25@highwaysengland.co.uk