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Yesterday's pilot scheme which saw motorists using the hard shoulder of the M42 during periods of congestion is being hailed as a success.

The stretch of road between Birmingham and Warwickshire was expanded to four lanes at peak times as part of a Highways Agency initiative.

It is hoped that by allowing drivers to use the hard shoulder congestion will be eased, leading to fewer accidents and claims made to car insurance provider.

The first cars to take advantage of the extra lane did so at 07:45 BST when an electronic sign overhead indicated that the hard shoulder was open.

"By 07:45 the systems were saying we needed to put traffic on to the hard shoulder between junctions along most of the length of the motorway affected by the scheme. That operated very well," Highways Agency regional director, Graham Bowskill told BBC News.

"The information goes onto gantry boards asking people to use the hard shoulder, then they move across and it allows them to go up to the next junction with less congestion."

Those driving on the hard shoulder are restricted by a 50mph speed limit and the agency says electronic signs can be changed in seconds in the event of an emergency.

However, some safety campaigners have expressed concern over the scheme which could go nationwide soon.

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