Fourth lane opens on M20

Drivers on essential journeys on the M20 can now use an extra lane as part of a ‘smart motorway’ upgrade.

Highways England has opened a fourth lane in each direction between junction 3, where it meets the M26 near West Malling, and junction 5 for Aylesford.

However the government advice remains that people must stay at home to stop the spread of coronavirus and should only travel for specific reasons.

A 50mph speed limit will remain in place for safety reasons while work continues on smart motorway upgrades.

This work on the six-and-a-half mile stretch of road is expected to be complete in April.

A variable speed limit of up to 70mph will be introduced later in the year.

A smart motorway can packageofmeasurestoimprove increase traffic capacity through incidents. safety and public confidence. variable speed limits and using In March a series of measures Plans will see “dynamic hard the hard shoulder at busy times. designed to improve safety on shoulder” motorways abolished

Highways England says it will smart motorways were unveiled to end confusion while “stopped continue to provide free recovery by the government. vehicle detection” will be rolled while the work is being carried The proposals follow mounting out “at pace”. out, and drivers will be able concerns after figures In addition, sections of motorways to use the five new emergency revealed there had been more where there are such areas if they experience difficulties. than 30 deaths on motorways schemes will see emergency where the hard shoulder was stops closer together.

CCTV cameras will also be used as an additional lane. In January, the government monitored 24 hours a day to Transport minister Grant said the M20 scheme would not reduce the speed limit and displaywarningmessagesduring Shapps unveiled an 18-point open before a safety review.

Smart motorway upgrades on a stretch of the M20 near Aylesford; drivers making essential journeys can now use a fourth lane