Hard shoulder to be used in traffic jams

The coming week could see the Government decide whether to allow motorists to use the hard shoulder of motorways to relieve congestion.

• Read plans to bring a toll to fast-lane usage

A trial conducted on the M42 at Birmingham has proven successful at alleviating congestion during peak times, and so prompted discussion on whether to roll the access out to other motorways in the country.

Electronic signs would show when motorists are allowed to use the hard shoulder, and speeds would be restricted to 50mph.

Reports state the M1 and M6 could be the first motorways beyond the M42 where hard-shoulder access would be allowed, but that the M25 would be left out of the scheme.