M6 Motorway - Using the new hard shoulder system

This video wont mean much to a lot of people, but should you find yourself driving on a motorway in the Midlands area, namely sections of M42 and now a section of the M6, then you will come across this new system of using the hard shoulder to legally drive along during very busy periods of traffic flow.

You will know when its possible to drive on the hard shoulder legally, when you see the overhead gantry sign displaying the given speed limit in all lanes. If it displays a RED CROSS - X - then you are NOT permitted to drive in that lane.
Sometimes you are only allowed to drive along the hard shoulder if you are leaving at the very next up coming exit, again this will be indicated by the Display signs.
Be aware that some of the gantries do have speed cameras fitted above each lane, so watch your speed, this is all about controlling traffic flow, and making use of a 4th lane, the hard shoulder.

The M6 motorway stretch Im driving along has been using this new system since March / April 2011 - It stretches from Cannock at Junction 11 down to M6 / M5 interchange at Junction 8 and it works quite well providing people know how to use it properly.
In the film Im heading south around Junction 10A, joining the M5 and then returning back up the M5 northbound rejoining the M6 finally exiting at Junction 9

Music: Caroline, yes - Kaiser Chiefs

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• M6
• M5
• Motorway
• Driving
• How to
• Driving on a motorway
• Road Movie
• Driving video
• Trucks
• Cars
• Lorry
• Hard shoulder driving
• Mercedes

[aid2003]

They got the same system around Munich.. And like you tell in teh video you always have to enter and leave the hard shoulder.. I think it would make more sensce to make a 4th lane then this.. If you having a break down where will u stop??

[Bevoin1970]

@aid2003 If you break down using the hard shoulder, its no problem, because they have created what looks like Lay-bys to pull into should you have a problem, so you can still pull off the road and be relatively safe.

Also the lanes are monitored by CCTV cameras, so at any time an operator can close down the hard shoulder to traffic if need be.

We only use hard shoulder driving on parts of the motorway that have been specially modified with refuge areas incase of breakdown.

Thanks Andy :-)

[weirdstuffanimation7]

i love the hard shoulder system mainly because not many people other then lorry drivers know about it its great for skiping traffic

[Bevoin1970]

@weirdstuffanimation7 I see loads of people every day who don't have a clue about using this open lane, even though the overhead signs are telling them to use the hard shoulder for the next exit, they carry on as usual, then cut across last minute, drives me mad! Grrr - You can always spot the non-regular drivers out there, in a world of there own, accidents waiting to happen some of them.

bet your doing the Reading run on a regular basis nowadays.. ha ha :-)

[modemeyes]

Thanks Paul, I enjoyed the journey and the music..............Mike

[Bevoin1970]

@modemeyes Me too - I just listened to it all again... ha ha

Thanks for watching and well, enjoying it!

have a nice weekend :-)

[Bevoin1970]

@liam21157 Same to you Liam, thanks for watching most of my stuff by now... ha ha

[Bevoin1970]

@colinj58 Believe me it is a massive improvement, not perfect because lets say people who don't drive for a living, behave more selfishly and can have poor lane discipline, so instead of getting in the correct lane for exiting, they still just cut straight across 3 lanes at the last second, you know how it goes. Seems weird talking to someone who knows this stretch of M6 yet lives in Oz... :-)

We've just had the hottest April on record in 100 years, bloody marvellous :-))

Thanks

[colinj58]

hey that looks like a hell of an improvement from what i can remember ,that stretch of motorway use to be an absolute nightmare during day light hours ,atleast the traffic is flowing thats got to be good for all users

have a good one mate , you guys must be getting some nice sunny days now feeling a bit like winter downunder

[Bevoin1970]

@7784Patrick The traffic is definitely improved around this section, not completely solved but much better flowing at peak times now. I think as more people learn how to use the lanes it could become much better still.

Time will tell

Thanks Patrick have a good weekend :-)