M20 junction 3 to 5 smart motorway

Overview

We are consulting on the proposed implementation of variable mandatory speed limits within the M20 junction 3 to 5 smart motorway scheme.

Why do we need the variable mandatory speed limits?

The M20 motorway is a strategic route for local, regional and international traffic, and plays a major role as:

•  a national artery providing a direct motorway route between the M25 and routes to London and Folkestone, Dover and the Channel Tunnel

•  a major interurban regional route connecting major conurbations and providing access to important international gateways - this section of the M20 carries in excess of 115,000 vehicles per day

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.

Sending your consultation response

You can respond to the consultation by completing our online survey below.

Alternatively, you can complete the consultation response form located at Appendix B and return it to us by email or by post to the following addresses. Please include ‘M20 J3-5 Consultation on Statutory Instrument’ in the title of the email, and mark it for the attention of Kampandila Kaluba.

Please ensure that your response reaches us by 29^th March 2018.

Email: M20.J3-5Smart@highwaysengland.co.uk

Post: Kampandila Kaluba

Project Manager

Highways England

5 St. Phillips Place

Birmingham

B3 2PW