In a report published in June, the Transport Select Committee warned that Government should not proceed with 'All lane running' schemes while major safety concerns exist. The Committee, of which Karl McCartney MP is a member, argued that the permanent conversion of the hard shoulder into a running lane is a radical change to the nature of our nation’s motorways and creates a real challenge for motorists and users of the network.
Karl McCartney MP and the Transport Select Committee are concerned that the Government seem determined to press ahead with the latest design of all lane running schemes, ignoring the concerns expressed by Members of Parliament, recovery professionals and other motoring organisations.
Karl McCartney JP MP, Lincoln’s Member of Parliament, said: “Although several 'all lane running' motorway schemes are already in operation either as part of a managed motorway or with the hard shoulder used as a full-time running lane, it is concerning to me as a keen motorist and Transport Select Committee Member - and also to our breakdown and emergency services, as well as the public at large - that the use of ‘all lane running’ looks set to expand in such an underfunded manner.
“The Government must consider more carefully this matter and address our Committee’s concerns in relation to scarcity, size and misuse of emergency refuge areas, driver education and enforcement. These points I made very forcefully to the Minister and his woefully inexperienced Civil Servants when they appeared before our Select Committee.
“Yes, it is also a concern that the strategic road network is expected to see an increase in traffic of up to 60% by 2040, but the permanent loss of the hard shoulder in all lane running schemes, and the inherent safety risks in doing so, is an unacceptable price to pay for such improvements, particularly while major safety issues exist.
“Concerns have been eloquently raised by various interested parties and Members of the Transport Select Committee such as myself when I confronted the Civil Servants and Transport Minister during their appearance in front of us to give evidence. I have since met with various representatives of our nation’s road users and re-iterate that there is concern at the Government’s proposals from all quarters.
“I call on the Government to go back to the drawing board and think again. Stop trying to increase motorway capacity ‘on the cheap’.”
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For further information, please contact Karl McCartney JP MP at [email protected] / 020 7219 7221.