Mini motorways are to be rolled out across England next month – but what are they exactly?
From April 1st, selected A-Roads are to be upgraded to European-style ‘expressways’, in effect turning them into mini motorways. This new classification of road will see roundabouts and traffic lights removed and maintenance and emergency areas introduced.
Eighteen major A-Roads are to receive the makeover according to The Times and are believed to include:
Cheshire A556 between M56 and M6.
Cornwall A30 from Exeter to Camborne.
Devon A303 and A30 from junction with M3 in Hampshire to Exeter.
East Midlands A46 between A1 and M1.
Kent A2 through south east London.
South A27 along the south coast of England.
Surrey A3 south of Guildford.
It has yet to be confirmed whether tractors, cyclists or learner drivers will be allowed on these new mini motorways, but learners would benefit hugely from being able to drive on fast-moving roads to help build their confidence and experience.
Whether they’re permitted or not, measures to keep Britain moving and drive down congestion can’t come soon enough – recent figures have shown that UK road congestion is at its worst in over a decade.
Image © Highways Agency