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Drivers in the West Midlands are to be allowed to use the hard shoulder during periods of congestion, it has been revealed.

The scheme, which will run on a part of the M42 near Birmingham and will begin on September 12th, will direct drivers to use the hard shoulder when carriageways fill up.

However, critics are concerned that the decision could make it harder for broken down cars to get out of traffic - users will be forced to use especially built emergency refuges - built every 500 meters.

Kevin Clinton, head of road safety at Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), said that the emergency services could also find the trial frustrating.

"Using the hard shoulder as a running lane may make it more difficult for drivers to find somewhere safe to stop if they break down, as the emergency refuges are only spaced at intervals along the motorway."

"Emergency service and breakdown vehicles may also find it more difficult to reach breakdowns and accidents, which would delay accident victims receiving help and delay the motorway being cleared."

He said the trial would need to be monitored carefully to see if such problems can be overcome.


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