M62 changes ‘relieving rush-hour pressures’

EARLY indications suggest that allowing cars to use the M62 hard shoulder has had a positive effect on traffic flows, according to a Government agency.

Data gathered in the month since the “managed motorway” scheme opened between Brighouse and Rothwell shows that it can handle more traffic at peak times.

Before construction started, traffic flow at peak times was restricted to 5,000 to 6,000 vehicles an hour.

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It has now risen to around 7,500 vehicles an hour at peak times.

A spokeswoman for the Highways Agency said: “It must be stressed that these are only provisional indications – full analysis of the scheme is ongoing and the findings will be reported after a full year to ensure we have an accurate measure of the impact the scheme has made.”

The spokeswoman said the agency did not have any information about the impact on journey times.

Drivers who regularly use the stretch of motorway have expressed mixed views on its impact.

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One driver from Brighouse said the journey from his home town to Leeds was much improved, although recent barrier replacement work had slowed traffic.

Other motorists were angered that speed cameras remain working even when overhead speed limit signs are turned off.

The Highways Agency said the system is capable of enforcing any speed.