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Green Flag comments on the Government's announcement to use motorway hard shoulders as running lanes
March 2008
Dan Robinson, Head of Green Flag, comments, "We believe that the use of the hard shoulder as a running lane will go some way to ease congestion on some of the UK's busiest stretches of motorway. However, this is a short-term solution rather than the answer to improving overcrowded roads and it does have some road safety implications. The long term solution is more lanes in congested areas.
"It is imperative that motorists are aware of the rules of using the hard shoulder, for example, they are only to be used in peak periods of congestion and have a 50mph limit. The hard shoulder should not become a default additional lane for drivers to use, as and when they please. The hard shoulder is a safe haven in times of a break down and the incorrect use of hard shoulder running lanes by motorists who are unsure of the rules or who are rushing to get from A to B could have severe implications for road safety, especially during dangerous road and weather conditions, such as fog, which can seriously impair motorists' reactions.
"We strongly believe that hard shoulder running lanes should only be used during peak times to ease congestion in slow moving traffic, where roads are closely monitored by surveillance cameras and only in good weather conditions. We also believe it is important that drivers feel confident about driving on the hard shoulder and so would welcome any initiative that seeks to raise motorists' awareness of the correct use of hard shoulder running lanes."
Green Flag Top Tips on Motorway Driving
- Plan ahead – Make sure you know which junctions you need. Never check a map on the move.
- Obey speed limits – Including lower limits imposed due to congestion, weather or road works.
- Go slower – In bad weather, always use fog lights in fog. Don't try to keep up with the car ahead.
- Leave a gap – Always ensure that there is at least two seconds between you and the car in front. Leave at least four seconds in bad weather.
- Keep to the left lane – Unless overtaking, keep to the left.
- Take a break – Every two hours, take a break for at least 15 minutes.
ENDS
For more information please contact:
Claire Foster
Green Flag Press Office
Tel: 020 8285 8682
Email: claire.foster@rbs.co.uk
