Written question asked by David Wilshire (Conservative) on Friday, 18 April 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 23 April 2008. It was answered by Tom Harris (Labour) on Wednesday, 23 April 2008 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

M25: M3

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the experiment with revised lane arrangements at the junction between the M25 and the M3 is expected to end; what timetable she has for making decisions on permanent lane arrangements in the light of the experiment; when works required for permanent lane arrangements will be completed; and what plans she has to terminate the temporary speed restrictions in place at the junction.

Answer: The trial has shown a significant journey time reliability improvement and an independent survey undertaken in 2007-08 shows support from those who travel through the junction. The Highways Agency has secured funding to deliver the scheme during this financial year and its current intention is for the works to take place between January and March 2009.However, the final decision about making the trial permanent including the implementation of the 50 mph speed limit will be subject to a statutory consultation expected to take place over a 12 week period this summer. A final decision will be taken at the end of that process.

Secondary information