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
Ramp Metering
What is ramp metering?
The Highways Agency is continually looking at ways of keeping motorways and trunk roads running smoothly. Ramp metering is a key measure for reducing delays at junctions. It works by managing the traffic on slip roads.
During busy periods, signals release just a few vehicles at a time. This prevents merging and mainline traffic from bunching together and creating a bottleneck which delays everyone.
Sensors in the road monitor the congestion and adjust the signal timings. The system also monitors the slip road to minimise the possibility of queues forming on local authority roads.
.jpg)
Where has it been implemented?
Ramp metering is used extensively in the United States, Germany, Holland, France, and other parts of the world. Drawing on these countries’ experience, we undertook trials on the M6, M27 & M3, and have since successfully implemented ramp metering at 30 locations. There are now sites in the Midlands and North West, for example, on the M1, M6 and M42. Each one has been designed to suit local conditions.
Implementation Areas
Sites currently operating in Areas: 9, 10, 11 & 12
Sites being implemented soon in Areas: 3, 5, 7, 9,10 & 12
.gif)
The benefits
Sites are monitored regularly and the signals adjusted to optimise performance. Surveys have shown that on average:
- travel time past the junction falls by 9%;
- downstream speed increases by 7.5%;
- delays to vehicles on the slip road are relatively short.
| Area | Operation | Reduction In Journey Time |
|---|---|---|
| 9 and 11 | AM peak | 11.6% |
| 10 | AM and PM | 7.6% |
| 12 | AM and PM | 10.6% |
| Average | - | 9% |
These benefits generate a strong case for continuing to implement ramp metering. Long-term evaluations of sites overseas have also found reductions in accidents and emissions.
The future
We are investigating other locations where ramp metering can help to reduce congestion. Factors such as vehicle types, flows and gradients affect the site operation.
More sites are being designed and will be implemented this winter in the North, Midlands and South East.
We are working with local authorities on how best link ramp metering and signals controls on roundabouts.
“The signals respond very quickly once the queue reaches to back of the slip. We are seeing some benefit to the motorway with no apparent compromise to our local roads.” [Dennis Beever, manager of the Urban Traffic Control Centre, Wakefield Council, one of the first local authority areas to receive ramp metering.]
Further Information
