West Mercia Police is reminding all motorists travelling along the M5 to take extra care while roadworks are in operation between junctions 6 and 7 in Worcestershire and to observe the temporary 50mph speed limit which is being enforced by average speed cameras.
Work is currently taking place as part of a £15m safety upgrade to the central reservation with a new concrete barrier being installed by National Highways. The new barrier will run for 4.5 miles and will replace the existing steel restraint which has been in place for more than 20 years.
Concrete barriers are designed to prevent traffic crossing over into oncoming vehicles travelling in the opposite direction in the event of an impact. Once installed, the new concrete barrier will also require less maintenance meaning there will be fewer roadworks on the M5 for repair work.
The roadworks are in place in both directions between junctions 6 and 7 of the M5 until Spring 2023, resulting in narrow lanes. To slow traffic down and keep road workers and motorists safe, a temporary 50mph speed limit is in operation.
Superintendent Steph Brighton, West Mercia Police, comments: “Speed enforcement on this stretch of the M5 is necessary while roadworks are taking place. Our main concern and the reason why we are undertaking enforcement is to ensure that both motorists and road workers are kept safe. Enforcement is taking place 24 hours a day by average speed cameras. We are therefore urging all motorists to exercise caution as they travel through the area and comply with the speed limit, which is clearly marked.”
Digital average speed cameras differ from traditional ‘spot speed’ speed cameras by monitoring a vehicle’s average speed over a stretch of road, rather than at a single, fixed location. Multiple, linked digital cameras can be placed anywhere along the route, creating ‘speed control zones’. Drivers are less likely to brake suddenly for a camera and are more likely to keep their speed down over a longer period, throughout the monitored zone.
For further information about the work, please visit the National Highways website: https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-work/west-midlands/west-midlands-maintenance-schemes/
