The Highways Agency has systems installed across the motorway network which measure the speed and volume of traffic flows using inductive loops buried in the carriageway or roadside radar. When the number of vehicles rises above certain predefined thresholds and/or if the speed of traffic drops below a set level, progressively slower speeds are set on the motorway signs and signals. In some locations these are advisory speed limits and act as a safety measure to gradually reduce the speed of traffic to avoid sudden braking and bunching, which is a notable cause of accidents. It also helps to protect the back of any queue that may have formed. On ‘Smart Motorways’ the systems trigger mandatory speed limits that provide the safety benefits already mentioned but also maintain traffic flows and thus reduce overall journey times.

Even though the safety and congestion benefits of this system have been proven, there are circumstances where the systems can be triggered to show reduced speeds even when traffic flows appear light. For example, a slow moving abnormal load or heavy equipment on an inclined section of motorway. On occasions the systems are so effective in managing traffic flows that the expected congestion from traffic flows is prevented and thus road users see the warning signs and reduced speeds but do not see the queue/congestion. The systems continually monitor flows and will reset when conditions allow.

The Highways Agency’s Regional Control Centres maintain a 24/7 overview of the network and can see where the automated systems are generating queue messages and/or reduced speeds. Extensive CCTV coverage, particularly on sections of Smart motorways (such as the M1, M6, M25, M42 and M62), means that operators can review conditions and override settings according to the situation.

I have asked the Highways Agency for a report on the specific circumstances raised in the question.

The scheme is undertaking essential maintenance, replacing the existing steel barrier with a new rigid concrete barrier.　 As part of this work the following will also be carried out:-

• removal of the life expired lighting along the M1 J19 to 16

• replacement verge lighting will be installed around Watford Gap Motorway Service Area

• drainage work and installation of traffic management tools i.e. CCTV cameras.

The M1 Junction 19 to 16 Central Reserve Barrier scheme commenced on site in August 2014 and is due to be complete in Summer 2015.

The Highways Agency annually assesses what parts of the Network should be lit. The next review will be April 2015. From next year, this will be an automated process using a computer model.

The percentage of the M1 currently subject to roadworks reducing traffic speeds to 50 mph is 25 percent.

The table below provides details of the projects on the M1 which are currently under construction or are undertaking works that require a 50mph speed limit to be in place. It also advises when those speed limits will be removed, and where applicable, when the project is expected to complete.

*The M1 J19-16 scheme is a project identified for delivery post 2015. The works currently being undertaken at this location are central barrier work, replacing the existing, life expired, steel central reserve with a concrete barrier. The Highways Agency will also take the opportunity to undertake some associated smart motorway enabling works at the same time in readiness for scheme start.

The total estimated congestion cost for journeys through all road works on the M1 was £55 million for the five month period April to August 2014 (the most recent data available for financial year 2014/15).

The M1 Junction 19 to 16 Central Reserve Barrier scheme commenced on site in August 2014 and is due to be completed July 2015.

The M1 Junction 19 to 16 Central Reserve Barrier scheme is replacing the existing steel barrier with new Rigid Concrete Barrier that is essential maintenance.　 In addition to this maintenance the following work will also be carried out: -

• removal of the life expired lighting along the M1 J19 to 16

• replacement verge lighting will be installed around Watford Gap Motorway Service Area

• drainage work and installation of traffic management tools i.e. CCTV cameras. The programme was developed during contract negotiations and is being rigorously adhered to by the Contractor.

The Contractor employed to undertake the M1 Junction 19 to 16 Central Reserve Barrier scheme is BMJV, a joint venture between BAM Nuttall and Morgen Sindall.

The M1 Junction 19 to 16 Central Reserve Barrier scheme construction cost is £35M. There is also a Smart Motorway Scheme under development for this stretch of the motorway.

Regarding why there was nobody working on the road works on the M1 approach to and after the Watford Gap on 7 November 2014 at and around noon, it is impossible to know the exact numbers physically on site as operatives have breaks at staggered times. We can confirm the following for numbers of operatives and activities undertaken on that day: -

• 27 operatives working along with length of works demolishing bridge piers, installing ducts and chambers including inserting a sub-duct to existing ready for reusing.

• 9 operatives working plant such as excavators along the length of works.

• 4 operatives conducting testing on ground conditions along with other tests along with length of the works.

• 2 operatives plus 2 engineers inside launch pit situated in the centre of carriageway (not visible from road level) installing new drainage duct.

• 6 operatives working on Traffic Management, going the length of the works ensuring the traffic management is maintained.

• 1 operative removing material from site using vacuum excavator.

• 7 operatives using planning plant, planning material off the surface down to a required level.　 Activity also requires a number of wagons to haul the material away.

• BMJV also had 4 supervisors out on site along with 6 engineers inspecting and surveying along with length of the works.

We are undertaking renewal works to the central reserve barrier on the M1 between junctions 16 and　19. We shall also be looking to replace the life expired barrier between J15 and 16 as part of this works.

From environmental and safety studies we are removing the life expired lighting along the M1 between Junctions 19 and 16. Replacement verge lighting will be installed around Watford Gap Motorway Service Area as part of the smart motorways design and upgrade.

This work will support the delivery of a future smart motorway scheme between junctions 16 and 19. This scheme is presently in development and will be subject to completion of statutory processes (including environmental assessments), deliverability and value for money.

Replacement of the old central reserve steel barrier is required as part of our ongoing maintenance programme and will help with the delivery of the proposed smart motorway works on this stretch. The estimated construction cost of these works is £35 million.

The M1 Junction 19 to 16 Central Reserve Barrier scheme commenced on site in August 2014 and is due to be completed July 2015.

The M1 Junction 19 to 16 Central Reserve Barrier scheme is replacing the existing steel barrier with new Rigid Concrete Barrier that is essential maintenance.　 In addition to this maintenance the following work will also be carried out: -

• removal of the life expired lighting along the M1 J19 to 16

• replacement verge lighting will be installed around Watford Gap Motorway Service Area

• drainage work and installation of traffic management tools i.e. CCTV cameras. The programme was developed during contract negotiations and is being rigorously adhered to by the Contractor.

The Contractor employed to undertake the M1 Junction 19 to 16 Central Reserve Barrier scheme is BMJV, a joint venture between BAM Nuttall and Morgen Sindall.

The M1 Junction 19 to 16 Central Reserve Barrier scheme construction cost is £35M. There is also a Smart Motorway Scheme under development for this stretch of the motorway.

Regarding why there was nobody working on the road works on the M1 approach to and after the Watford Gap on 7 November 2014 at and around noon, it is impossible to know the exact numbers physically on site as operatives have breaks at staggered times. We can confirm the following for numbers of operatives and activities undertaken on that day: -

• 27 operatives working along with length of works demolishing bridge piers, installing ducts and chambers including inserting a sub-duct to existing ready for reusing.

• 9 operatives working plant such as excavators along the length of works.

• 4 operatives conducting testing on ground conditions along with other tests along with length of the works.

• 2 operatives plus 2 engineers inside launch pit situated in the centre of carriageway (not visible from road level) installing new drainage duct.

• 6 operatives working on Traffic Management, going the length of the works ensuring the traffic management is maintained.

• 1 operative removing material from site using vacuum excavator.

• 7 operatives using planning plant, planning material off the surface down to a required level.　 Activity also requires a number of wagons to haul the material away.

• BMJV also had 4 supervisors out on site along with 6 engineers inspecting and surveying along with length of the works.

We are undertaking renewal works to the central reserve barrier on the M1 between junctions 16 and　19. We shall also be looking to replace the life expired barrier between J15 and 16 as part of this works.

From environmental and safety studies we are removing the life expired lighting along the M1 between Junctions 19 and 16. Replacement verge lighting will be installed around Watford Gap Motorway Service Area as part of the smart motorways design and upgrade.

This work will support the delivery of a future smart motorway scheme between junctions 16 and 19. This scheme is presently in development and will be subject to completion of statutory processes (including environmental assessments), deliverability and value for money.

Replacement of the old central reserve steel barrier is required as part of our ongoing maintenance programme and will help with the delivery of the proposed smart motorway works on this stretch. The estimated construction cost of these works is £35 million.

The M1 Junction 19 to 16 Central Reserve Barrier scheme commenced on site in August 2014 and is due to be completed July 2015.

The M1 Junction 19 to 16 Central Reserve Barrier scheme is replacing the existing steel barrier with new Rigid Concrete Barrier that is essential maintenance.　 In addition to this maintenance the following work will also be carried out: -

• removal of the life expired lighting along the M1 J19 to 16

• replacement verge lighting will be installed around Watford Gap Motorway Service Area

• drainage work and installation of traffic management tools i.e. CCTV cameras. The programme was developed during contract negotiations and is being rigorously adhered to by the Contractor.

The Contractor employed to undertake the M1 Junction 19 to 16 Central Reserve Barrier scheme is BMJV, a joint venture between BAM Nuttall and Morgen Sindall.

The M1 Junction 19 to 16 Central Reserve Barrier scheme construction cost is £35M. There is also a Smart Motorway Scheme under development for this stretch of the motorway.

Regarding why there was nobody working on the road works on the M1 approach to and after the Watford Gap on 7 November 2014 at and around noon, it is impossible to know the exact numbers physically on site as operatives have breaks at staggered times. We can confirm the following for numbers of operatives and activities undertaken on that day: -

• 27 operatives working along with length of works demolishing bridge piers, installing ducts and chambers including inserting a sub-duct to existing ready for reusing.

• 9 operatives working plant such as excavators along the length of works.

• 4 operatives conducting testing on ground conditions along with other tests along with length of the works.

• 2 operatives plus 2 engineers inside launch pit situated in the centre of carriageway (not visible from road level) installing new drainage duct.

• 6 operatives working on Traffic Management, going the length of the works ensuring the traffic management is maintained.

• 1 operative removing material from site using vacuum excavator.

• 7 operatives using planning plant, planning material off the surface down to a required level.　 Activity also requires a number of wagons to haul the material away.

• BMJV also had 4 supervisors out on site along with 6 engineers inspecting and surveying along with length of the works.

We are undertaking renewal works to the central reserve barrier on the M1 between junctions 16 and　19. We shall also be looking to replace the life expired barrier between J15 and 16 as part of this works.

From environmental and safety studies we are removing the life expired lighting along the M1 between Junctions 19 and 16. Replacement verge lighting will be installed around Watford Gap Motorway Service Area as part of the smart motorways design and upgrade.

This work will support the delivery of a future smart motorway scheme between junctions 16 and 19. This scheme is presently in development and will be subject to completion of statutory processes (including environmental assessments), deliverability and value for money.

Replacement of the old central reserve steel barrier is required as part of our ongoing maintenance programme and will help with the delivery of the proposed smart motorway works on this stretch. The estimated construction cost of these works is £35 million.

The M1 Junction 19 to 16 Central Reserve Barrier scheme commenced on site in August 2014 and is due to be completed July 2015.

The M1 Junction 19 to 16 Central Reserve Barrier scheme is replacing the existing steel barrier with new Rigid Concrete Barrier that is essential maintenance.　 In addition to this maintenance the following work will also be carried out: -

• removal of the life expired lighting along the M1 J19 to 16

• replacement verge lighting will be installed around Watford Gap Motorway Service Area

• drainage work and installation of traffic management tools i.e. CCTV cameras. The programme was developed during contract negotiations and is being rigorously adhered to by the Contractor.

The Contractor employed to undertake the M1 Junction 19 to 16 Central Reserve Barrier scheme is BMJV, a joint venture between BAM Nuttall and Morgen Sindall.

The M1 Junction 19 to 16 Central Reserve Barrier scheme construction cost is £35M. There is also a Smart Motorway Scheme under development for this stretch of the motorway.

Regarding why there was nobody working on the road works on the M1 approach to and after the Watford Gap on 7 November 2014 at and around noon, it is impossible to know the exact numbers physically on site as operatives have breaks at staggered times. We can confirm the following for numbers of operatives and activities undertaken on that day: -

• 27 operatives working along with length of works demolishing bridge piers, installing ducts and chambers including inserting a sub-duct to existing ready for reusing.

• 9 operatives working plant such as excavators along the length of works.

• 4 operatives conducting testing on ground conditions along with other tests along with length of the works.

• 2 operatives plus 2 engineers inside launch pit situated in the centre of carriageway (not visible from road level) installing new drainage duct.

• 6 operatives working on Traffic Management, going the length of the works ensuring the traffic management is maintained.

• 1 operative removing material from site using vacuum excavator.

• 7 operatives using planning plant, planning material off the surface down to a required level.　 Activity also requires a number of wagons to haul the material away.

• BMJV also had 4 supervisors out on site along with 6 engineers inspecting and surveying along with length of the works.

We are undertaking renewal works to the central reserve barrier on the M1 between junctions 16 and　19. We shall also be looking to replace the life expired barrier between J15 and 16 as part of this works.

From environmental and safety studies we are removing the life expired lighting along the M1 between Junctions 19 and 16. Replacement verge lighting will be installed around Watford Gap Motorway Service Area as part of the smart motorways design and upgrade.

This work will support the delivery of a future smart motorway scheme between junctions 16 and 19. This scheme is presently in development and will be subject to completion of statutory processes (including environmental assessments), deliverability and value for money.

Replacement of the old central reserve steel barrier is required as part of our ongoing maintenance programme and will help with the delivery of the proposed smart motorway works on this stretch. The estimated construction cost of these works is £35 million.

The M1 Junction 19 to 16 Central Reserve Barrier scheme commenced on site in August 2014 and is due to be completed July 2015.

The M1 Junction 19 to 16 Central Reserve Barrier scheme is replacing the existing steel barrier with new Rigid Concrete Barrier that is essential maintenance.　 In addition to this maintenance the following work will also be carried out: -

• removal of the life expired lighting along the M1 J19 to 16

• replacement verge lighting will be installed around Watford Gap Motorway Service Area

• drainage work and installation of traffic management tools i.e. CCTV cameras. The programme was developed during contract negotiations and is being rigorously adhered to by the Contractor.

The Contractor employed to undertake the M1 Junction 19 to 16 Central Reserve Barrier scheme is BMJV, a joint venture between BAM Nuttall and Morgen Sindall.

The M1 Junction 19 to 16 Central Reserve Barrier scheme construction cost is £35M. There is also a Smart Motorway Scheme under development for this stretch of the motorway.

Regarding why there was nobody working on the road works on the M1 approach to and after the Watford Gap on 7 November 2014 at and around noon, it is impossible to know the exact numbers physically on site as operatives have breaks at staggered times. We can confirm the following for numbers of operatives and activities undertaken on that day: -

• 27 operatives working along with length of works demolishing bridge piers, installing ducts and chambers including inserting a sub-duct to existing ready for reusing.

• 9 operatives working plant such as excavators along the length of works.

• 4 operatives conducting testing on ground conditions along with other tests along with length of the works.

• 2 operatives plus 2 engineers inside launch pit situated in the centre of carriageway (not visible from road level) installing new drainage duct.

• 6 operatives working on Traffic Management, going the length of the works ensuring the traffic management is maintained.

• 1 operative removing material from site using vacuum excavator.

• 7 operatives using planning plant, planning material off the surface down to a required level.　 Activity also requires a number of wagons to haul the material away.

• BMJV also had 4 supervisors out on site along with 6 engineers inspecting and surveying along with length of the works.

We are undertaking renewal works to the central reserve barrier on the M1 between junctions 16 and　19. We shall also be looking to replace the life expired barrier between J15 and 16 as part of this works.

From environmental and safety studies we are removing the life expired lighting along the M1 between Junctions 19 and 16. Replacement verge lighting will be installed around Watford Gap Motorway Service Area as part of the smart motorways design and upgrade.

This work will support the delivery of a future smart motorway scheme between junctions 16 and 19. This scheme is presently in development and will be subject to completion of statutory processes (including environmental assessments), deliverability and value for money.

Replacement of the old central reserve steel barrier is required as part of our ongoing maintenance programme and will help with the delivery of the proposed smart motorway works on this stretch. The estimated construction cost of these works is £35 million.

The M1 Junction 19 to 16 Central Reserve Barrier scheme commenced on site in August 2014 and is due to be completed July 2015.

The M1 Junction 19 to 16 Central Reserve Barrier scheme is replacing the existing steel barrier with new Rigid Concrete Barrier that is essential maintenance.　 In addition to this maintenance the following work will also be carried out: -

• removal of the life expired lighting along the M1 J19 to 16

• replacement verge lighting will be installed around Watford Gap Motorway Service Area

• drainage work and installation of traffic management tools i.e. CCTV cameras. The programme was developed during contract negotiations and is being rigorously adhered to by the Contractor.

The Contractor employed to undertake the M1 Junction 19 to 16 Central Reserve Barrier scheme is BMJV, a joint venture between BAM Nuttall and Morgen Sindall.

The M1 Junction 19 to 16 Central Reserve Barrier scheme construction cost is £35M. There is also a Smart Motorway Scheme under development for this stretch of the motorway.

Regarding why there was nobody working on the road works on the M1 approach to and after the Watford Gap on 7 November 2014 at and around noon, it is impossible to know the exact numbers physically on site as operatives have breaks at staggered times. We can confirm the following for numbers of operatives and activities undertaken on that day: -

• 27 operatives working along with length of works demolishing bridge piers, installing ducts and chambers including inserting a sub-duct to existing ready for reusing.

• 9 operatives working plant such as excavators along the length of works.

• 4 operatives conducting testing on ground conditions along with other tests along with length of the works.

• 2 operatives plus 2 engineers inside launch pit situated in the centre of carriageway (not visible from road level) installing new drainage duct.

• 6 operatives working on Traffic Management, going the length of the works ensuring the traffic management is maintained.

• 1 operative removing material from site using vacuum excavator.

• 7 operatives using planning plant, planning material off the surface down to a required level.　 Activity also requires a number of wagons to haul the material away.

• BMJV also had 4 supervisors out on site along with 6 engineers inspecting and surveying along with length of the works.

We are undertaking renewal works to the central reserve barrier on the M1 between junctions 16 and　19. We shall also be looking to replace the life expired barrier between J15 and 16 as part of this works.

From environmental and safety studies we are removing the life expired lighting along the M1 between Junctions 19 and 16. Replacement verge lighting will be installed around Watford Gap Motorway Service Area as part of the smart motorways design and upgrade.

This work will support the delivery of a future smart motorway scheme between junctions 16 and 19. This scheme is presently in development and will be subject to completion of statutory processes (including environmental assessments), deliverability and value for money.

Replacement of the old central reserve steel barrier is required as part of our ongoing maintenance programme and will help with the delivery of the proposed smart motorway works on this stretch. The estimated construction cost of these works is £35 million.

The M1 Junction 28 -31 smart motorway scheme will be fully open to traffic in Autumn 2015.

The gantry cameras on the M1 in Nottinghamshire and Hertfordshire are provided to encourage compliance with the variable mandatory speed limit when operational.

The operation of these gantry cameras for enforcement purposes is a matter for the Hertfordshire and Nottinghamshire police respectively and may include enforcement of the national speed limit as well as the variable speed limits.

There are currently 11 stretches of road works that are taking place on the M1 between London and junction 32 with the M18. Of these, two are related to a major improvement —M1 J28-31 upgrade to Smart Motorway and M1 J19 Catthorpe improvement.

To maintain the strategic road network in a safe and serviceable condition, it is inevitable that Highways Agency road works will need to be undertaken at several locations at any one time throughout the year. Maintenance work is programmed to achieve good value for money and minimise disruption to road users. The majority of work is undertaken overnight to reduce lane closures when the motorway is busy.

The Agency operates a road booking system to manage planned works, but overnight emergency and other maintenance activities will take place on the M1 which may require single lane closures, temporary speed limits and occasional slip road closures.

When it is cost effective to do so, road works are also lifted on bank and seasonal holidays to limit disruption to road users.

In planning major road works, the option of breaking construction into a number of smaller sequential phases is considered, however this usually has the impact of prolonging the overall duration of construction and therefore the length of time of disruption for road users.

I wonder whether my right hon. Friend has had the opportunity to travel on the M1 between Leeds and Sheffield recently. It is a pig of a journey due to a 17-mile stretch of roadworks with a 50 mph enforced speed limit. I recognise the need for those roadworks, but is there any reason why they cannot be done in stages to improve the experience for motorists?

I have indeed travelled on that section of the M1 and it does seem to go on for ever. However, I am assured by the Highways Agency that doing the work in this way will incur a time saving of two thirds compared with doing it in stages. When we do such work, which includes replacement of steel central barriers with concrete ones, it improves repair time and over the long term will certainly improve road performance.

The work that is currently being carried out on the M1 in this location involves new central reserve drainage and concrete barrier in preparation for the planned smart motorway scheme between M1 J28 to J31.

In planning the works, the option of breaking construction into a number of smaller sequential phases was considered, however this would have the impact of prolonging the overall duration of construction and therefore the length of time over which disruption would be experienced.

The current works are planned to continue into the start of construction for the proposed M1 J28 to J31 smart motorways project and M1 J31 to J32 Pinch Point scheme. Subject to completion of the necessary statutory processes, both schemes are planned to complete by spring 2015.

The work that is currently being carried out on the M1 in this location involves new central reserve drainage and concrete barrier in preparation for the planned smart motorway scheme between M1 J28 to J31.

In planning the works, the option of breaking construction into a number of smaller sequential phases was considered, however this would have the impact of prolonging the overall duration of construction and therefore the length of time over which disruption would be experienced.

The current works are planned to continue into the start of construction for the proposed M1 J28 to J31 smart motorways project and M1 J31 to J32 Pinch Point scheme. Subject to completion of the necessary statutory processes, both schemes are planned to complete by spring 2015.