Say yes to cheaper van, home and car insurance

Drivers in the UK will be allowed to use the hard shoulder during rush hour under a new system deployed by the transport secretary.

Ruth Kelly has initiated the scheme in order to cut down congestion, with motorists gaining reduced journey times as well as a cut in the number of accidents.

As a result, it may be that people also see their car insurance policies drop, as fewer collisions result in a lower price with most insurers.

This comes following a successful trial period on the M42, with the M6 expected to follow the same route in a £150 million programme while officials assess the feasibility of extending the rules to the M1, M25, M4 and M20.

It is hoped that the programme will be complete and fully operational by 2011.

Typically a hard shoulder is an area of the motorway kept clear of traffic for use in an emergency.

It is also known as the breakdown lane.

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