Disabled Driver Questionnaire
We want to produce a driver information programme for our disabled customers. To help us produce the best possible guidance, please take a few minutes to fill in our questionnaire.
Better information for your journey
The National Traffic Control Centre collects real-time information on road conditions
Lane Hog!
John Stapleton looks into why people Lane Hog and what effects it has on the driver hogging the lane and other road users.
Educating tomorrow's drivers
See how we are driving through key messages about safety on our network for the drivers of tomorrow.
Meet the Ancestors
Find out about the history of roads and the work the Agency does to preserve archaeological remains.
See when traffic will be lightest
Our traffic forecaster can help get you there quicker
Thames Valley Journey Time Quality and Reliability Study
Transport and the way we travel is one of the greatest challenges that we face today. We all have a part to play and this study is an opportunity for you to have your say in how we maintain and manage the approaches to London on the M3, M4 and M25 between them.
These routes will be particularly important during the Olympic Games in 2012, and for access to Heathrow Airport.
In consultation with key stakeholders, including local authorities, public transport operators, the emergency services, environmental groups and other interested parties, the key problems have been identified and a number of possible solutions proposed for sections of the M3, M4 and M25 between them.
To tell us your views, please complete the online questionnaire by following the link in the top right menu.
Objectives of the Study
The objective is to identify technology and engineering works that can improve journey time reliability and throughput on parts of the M3, M4 and the section of the M25 between them. The objectives are to:
- Consider the long term solutions that are required to address congestion and journey time reliability in the South East of England, and in particular the approaches to Heathrow and London
- Examine accident records and develop suitable measures to improve safety
- Provide appropriate environmental improvements on the approaches to London.
- Identify what can be delivered in time for the Olympics in 2012
- Identify short term measures that can be adopted during the Olympics. These will showcase the UK’s latest transport technologies and innovations
Route Description
The M4 is dual three-lanes with the exception of the elevated section, which is dual two-lane from around junction 2 into London. Traffic flows on the M4 vary between 114,750 vehicles per day in the west to 143,860 vehicles per day at junction 5 (2004 levels).
The M3 is dual three lanes from the M25 to junction 8. Traffic flow on the M3 varies between 125,500 vehicles per day at junction 2 to 91,100 vehicles per day at junction 8 (2004 levels).
The M25 between the M3 and M4 has between four and six lanes each way. Traffic flows are around 180,000 vehicles per day along this section of the M25 (2003 levels).
| No. | Proposal | Description |
| 1 | Variable speed limits | Controlling speed and slowing down traffic gradually ahead of queues could reduce accidents and delays. |
| 2 | Continuous hard shoulder | With a continuous hard shoulder incident response times will be improved for emergency vehicles and delays to traffic reduced. |
| 3 | Higher central barriers | They reduce the distraction from incidents on the opposite carriageway and help eliminate ‘rubber-necking.’ |
| 4 | Motorway access management | Managing the traffic on slip roads using traffic lights can improve capacity, by reducing congestion and improving traffic flow on the motorway. |
| 5 | Priority lanes | Lanes can be provided for specific types of vehicle, for example, buses, taxis, High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) or vehicles with low emissions. During the Olympic Games this lane could be used by the ‘Olympic Family’ (competitors, officials, etc.). |
| 6 | Headway management | Managing the gap between vehicles will reduce the number of incidents, thereby improving safety. |
| 7 | Junction improvements | Alterations to the layout of junctions would improve the flow of traffic onto and off the motorway. |
| 8 | Better information before the journey | This could be web-based services, information provided to mobile phones and in advance of roadworks or other events. |
| 9 | Better information during the journey | This can be variable message signs by the side of the road, car based radio systems and displays at motorway service stations. |
| 10 | Environmental improvements | Managing traffic will reduce air and noise pollution. In addition, the introduction of landscape features could further enhance the environment. |
