Feature
Better information for your journey
The National Traffic Control Centre collects real-time information on road conditions.
Quick Links
How We Manage Our Roads
In this section you can find out more about how we manage and maintain these roads and plan for the future
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.
Traffic news on your desktop
Helpful ways to access the latest traffic information when you need it.
4 route objectives
4 ROUTE OBJECTIVES
4.1 Introduction
Based upon the functions identified in the previous section, Route Objectives set out the future role and aims of the route. The route objectives for the M55 have been derived from:
- Government Objectives and Policies
- Highways Agency Strategic Plans
- Development Plans
- Local Transport Plans
- Regional Strategies
- Multi-Modal Studies
The objectives are developed under five categories:
- Economy
- Safety
- Environment
- Accessibility
- Integration
These categories have been used as the basis of the RMS and all problems and actions, which have been developed, can be classified in them.
4.2 Economy
4.2.1 The Government Objective with re gard to economy is:
"To contribute to an efficient economy, and to support sustainable economic growth in appropriate locations"
4.2.2 The Route Objectives that have been identified for the M55 are:
- To balance the strategic, regional and local functions of the route
- To maintain journey time reliability to and from Blackpool, Fleetwood and the rest of the Fylde coast.
- To minimise traffic disruption during road maintenance, and ensure co-ordination with works in Blackpool and north Preston.
- To plan all works to achieve optimum whole life costs with minimal disruption to users
- To maximise the availability of the route for users, and the serviceability of the road, structures and other highway equipment.
4.3 Safety
4.3.1 The Government Objective with regard to safety is:
"To improve safety for all travellers"
4.3.2 The Route Objectives that have been identified for the M55 are:
- To maintain or the current level of safety throughout the route.
- To ensure drivers travel at an appropriate speed.
- To liase with the local authorities and the police in order to ensure the highways and adjacent areas are kept clear of obstructions at all times.
- To enhance user security where possible.
- To ensure that maintenance works are adequately signed and carried out to the highest safety standards.
4.4 Environment
4.4.1 The Government Objective with regard to the environment is:
"To protect and enhance the built and natural environment"
4.4.2 The Route Objectives that have been identified for the M55 are:
- To identify locations where noise levels are high and mitigate where necessary
- To ensure that traffic continues to use the M55 and not alternative routes
- To ensure that good air quality is maintained along the length of the route
- To use environmentally friendly lighting when replacing existing or providing new systems
- To ensure effective measures are in place to protect watercourses from pollutant spillage on the Highway
- To protect and enhance existing Flora and Fauna
- To protect and enhance the landscape character of the route
- To protect the HA investment in off-site planting and ensure maintenance
- To work with the responsible authorities, to seek to maintain a clean and tidy route
4.5 Accessibility
4.5.1 The Government Objective with regard to accessibility is:
"To promote accessibility to everyday facilities for all, especially those without a car"
4.5.2 The Route Objectives that have been identified for the M55 are:
- To enhance accessibility for locals, particularly at times of peak congestion
- To make appropriate provisions to encourage the use of public transport
4.6 Integration
4.6.1 The Government Objective with regard to integration is:
"To promote the integration of all forms of transport and land use planning, leading to a better, more efficient transport system"
4.6.2 The Route Objectives that have been identified for the M55 are:
- To improve user information
- To make better use of the route by working in partnership with road users, transport providers and operators, local authorities and those affected by the network
- To contribute to Regional and Local transport and development plans
- To promote modal shift
- To achieve a consistent high standard of driver information along the M55 and approach routes, in particular the M6.
