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.
The Strategy
Introduction
The M1 and M10 Study
The M1 motorway is one of the main north south transport corridors in England, linking London with the Midlands and the North, including Northampton, Nottingham, Sheffield and Leeds. This M1 study covers approximately 125.5 kms (80 miles), starting from Junction 1 (London - Brent Cross) to Junction 19 with the M6 and the A14(T). This part of the M1 serves the major conurbations at Luton, Milton Keynes, Northampton and Rugby.
This study also includes the M10 which is approximately 4.5 kms (2.8 miles), connecting St Albans to the M1 at Junction 7. The status of this motorway will be de-classified from M10 motorway to the A414 principal trunk road, once the M1 Junctions 6A-10 Widening scheme is completed (current estimate end of 2008). The re-classified A414 will connect to the new parallel link roads which are to be built between M1 Junctions 7 and 8 as part of the motorway widening scheme. This will then complete an all purpose link between Hemel Hempstead and St Albans thus opening up the route to a wider range of traffic.
Policy Objectives
In order for the Highways Agency's policy objectives for the M1 and M10 to integrate with wider planning, economic and transport objectives, a comprehensive review of National, Regional and Local Objectives pertinent to the M1 and M10 routes has been undertaken.
The Policy Objectives established for the M1 and M10 Motorways are listed below.
Environment
Government Objective: To protect and enhance the built and natural environment
Route Policy Objectives:
| Env1 | To mitigate and seek to reduce noise levels in line with government policy |
|---|---|
| Env2 | To improve air quality (with special regard to Air Quality Management Areas) |
| Env3 | To minimise the adverse effect of lighting on the environment |
| Env4 | To seek to ensure effective measures are in place to enhance water quality along the route from pollutant spillage on the highway |
| Env5 | To maintain a clean and tidy route |
| Env6 | To minimise or avoid impact on environmentally designated areas |
| Env7 | To protect the environment elsewhere in the region by encouraging appropriate traffic to use the route |
| Env8 | To promote Bio-diversity |
Safety
Government Objective: To cimprove safety for all travellers
Route Policy Objectives:
| S1 | To review and where possible improve the safer operations of the route |
|---|---|
| S2 | To investigate where the provision of improved lighting would improve safety, without disproportionate environmental damage |
| S3 | To seek to achieve a consistently high standard of variable and static signing along the route |
| S4 | To seek to manage vehicle speeds at appropriate levels |
| S5 | To review safety and the security for non motorised users crossing the route at interchanges and for bridges/subways |
| S6 | To seek to improve the quality of user facilities and provide adequate rest and emergency facilities |
| S7 | To seek to improve safety for people working on the route |
Economy
Government Objective: To contribute to an efficient economy, and to support sustainable economic growth in appropriate locations
Route Policy Objectives:
| Ec1 | To seek to prioritise actions with regard to the needs of the national, regional and local economy |
|---|---|
| Ec2 | To seek to reduce congestion, particularly between London and Milton Keynes |
| Ec3 | To seek to minimise traffic disruption due to traffic incidents |
| Ec4 | To seek to plan all works to achieve optimum whole life costs with minimal disruption to users |
| Ec5 | To seek to maximise the availability of the route for users, and the serviceability of the road, structures and other highway equipment |
| Ec6 | To seek to improve journey time reliability and information |
| Ec7 | To seek to support the objectives in the Land Use Planning System |
| Ec8 | To seek to reduce congestion at major interchanges |
Accessibility
Government Objective: To promote accessibility to everyday facilities for all, especially those without a car
Route Policy Objectives:
| Ac1 | To seek to reduce community severance |
|---|---|
| Ac2 | To seek to make appropriate provision for and encourage the use of public transport |
| Ac3 | To seek to make appropriate provision for non-motorised users |
| Ac4 | To seek to make appropriate provision for disabled and elderly users |
Integration
Government Objective: To promote the integration of all forms of transport and land use planning and development, leading to a better, more efficient transport system.
Route Policy Objectives:
| In1 | To improve user information |
|---|---|
| In2 | To increase knowledge of user patterns and needs |
| In3 | To support regional transport strategy, local transport plans and development plans |
| In4 | 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 |
| In5 | To recognise the two-way interaction between the RMS and other RMSs (e.g. A43/A45 RMS - suggestions on Junction 15 and 15A) |
