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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Helpful ways to access the latest traffic information when you need it.
Multi-Modal and other Strategic Studies
If no action is taken, current congestion levels on the M3 can be expected to increase. In order to reduce congestion, it will be necessary for the Highways Agency to implement short and medium term measures until the benefits of proposals which emerge from the Multi-Modal Studies are realised.
Thames Valley Multi-Modal Study (TVMMS)
The report did not make specific recommendations; instead it presented broad strategic measures that, if introduced, would achieve in part the aspirations of the social, business and environmental communities.
In these broader measures, the TVMMS did not favour widening of the M3, preferring to increase the management of the existing infrastructure. TVMMS recommended greater use of CCTV, variable speed limits and incident detection. The report understands that these methods of traffic flow management will not substantially increase capacity; however they can increase journey time reliability. This is more important regarding the M3, which the report has recognised as a corridor needing better management.
The TVMMS recommended giving priority access to public transport, high occupancy vehicles and freight traffic. The TVMMS report did not make any specific recommendation measures for the M3 approaches to the M25. The report suggested a park and ride facility near to the M25, to alleviate traffic congestion approaching London's Heathrow airport.
The TVMMS made known that any measures on the strategic trunk road network need identifying, designing and appraising through the RMS framework mechanism.
Finally, despite giving priority to freight traffic on the trunk road network, the TVMMS supported the transfer of freight traffic from road to rail, and called for transfer sites in the Thames Valley region to be brought forward.
The Secretary of State considered these recommendations. He supported the conclusion that general motorway widening is not required in the study area before 2016 and he asked the Highways Agency (HA):
- to identify and develop smaller scale improvements on the trunk road network to address localised congestion problems in key corridors and to submit proposals in due course;
- to develop appropriate management measures for the trunk road and motorway network in the Blackwater Valley and north west Surrey, including better detection and management of incidents, and to submit proposals in due course which take account, inter alia, of the opening of Heathrow Terminal 5 in 2008;
- to continue to monitor the performance and journey time reliability of the motorway and trunk road network as these measures are taken forward.
The Secretary of State also asked the HA to consider the case for priority measures on appropriate parts of the motorway and trunk road network which would support the development of bus and coach services.
South Coast Multi-Modal Study (SoCoMMS)
The SoCoMMS Study Area includes Southampton, but focuses mainly on east-west links. In the report's final recommendations, there were no proposed improvements impacting directly onto the M3. However the report recommends the following improvement schemes:
- M27 Junction 3 to 4 widening
- M27 Junction 5 improvements
- M27 other junction improvements
- Additional variable message signs along the M27
These proposals are likely to result in an increased reliability of traffic movement to, around and between Southampton and the other Solent towns.
On the 9 July 2003 the Secretary of State for Transport gave his response to the SoCoMMS proposals. The Secretary of State recommended bringing forward M27 technology improvements, including increased CCTV and variable message signs to tackle congestion and response to incidents.
The Secretary of State confirmed his support for M27 widening between Junctions 3 and 4. The Secretary has asked the Highways Agency to bring forward proposals for this scheme's entry in to the Targeted Programme for Improvements. In particular he is asking the HA to ensure that detailed design work is carried out to high environmental standards in order to minimise any adverse environmental impacts. The Secretary expects, subject to successful completion of necessary planning and statutory procedures, the delivery of the scheme within the next decade.
Other Studies
This RMS is aware of a study concerning the Highways Agency (HA) and the Association of Chief Police Officers in the changing roles and responsibilities on the motorway and trunk road network. The report released in June 2003 recommended significant changes, including increased network patrols and greater HA involvement in both major and minor incident management.
This RMS supports the development of these recommendations towards their implementation. Subsequent reviews of this RMS will identify how the adopted recommendations alter or strengthen the route management strategy for the M3.
