Better information for your journey
The National Traffic Control Centre collects real-time information on road conditions.
The Project Control Framework
On 1st April 2008 we launched the Project Control Framework. The Framework sets out how we, together with the Department for Transport, manage and deliver major improvement projects.
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Smoothing the flow on to Motorways
Aim
To reduce congestion and to improve traffic flow and safety on motorways by controlling the flow of vehicles joining the main carriageways from entry slip roads. This scheme is commonly known as ramp metering.
What it means for motorists
- A reduction in bottlenecks at junctions
- Less congestion and improved traffic flows
- Smoother and more reliable journey times
- Reduced accident risks for drivers entering motorways from slip roads, and for drivers already travelling on motorways
- Environmental improvements i.e. reduced traffic noise, vehicle emissions and fuel consumption
Main features
- Sensors detect the amount of traffic travelling on a motorway. When traffic is at critical flow, special traffic signals on the slip road control the number of vehicles that may enter the motorway i.e. at a 'metered' rate. This is only likely to occur at peak travel times.
- With their distinctive blue diamond background, ramp metering traffic signals will be easily distinguished from urban traffic signals.
- Ramp metering will not interfere with the operation of the surrounding network.
- It operates successfully in the United States installed at over 3,000 sites, and is used in France and Holland.
- The success of the system in England is dependent on drivers complying with the signals. The signals will be enforced by the police.
- The estimated cost of a free-standing ramp metering site is between £150k - £200k (based on the cost of the M3/M27 design and contracts-see pilot scheme below).
Plans for the future
- A pilot scheme to assess the effectiveness of ramp metering in England will begin on August 3 at six sites on the M3 and M27 around Southampton. During the first year of operation the results will be closely monitored and the results assessed.
- Ramp metering could be rolled out at suitable sites throughout the country from 2002.
For more information visit our Ramp Metering pages.
For more information please contact the Highways Agency Press Office on 020 7921 4323/4389/4029.
