M4 Variable Speed Limit Junctions 24-28 Near Newport
GoSafe has today confirmed that speed enforcement action at the M4 Variable Speed Limit (VSL) System on the 13km stretch of the M4 between Junction 24 (Coldra) and Junction 28 (Tredegar Park) will commence on Monday 26th September 2016.
The Welsh Government introduced a Variable Speed Limit along this stretch of road in 2011 as a means of reducing congestion and improving safety and journey time reliability.
Infrastructure and technology installed along the motorway between Junctions 24 and 28 monitors traffic flow and calculates the optimum speed limits for current traffic volumes. The limits are lawfully displayed on the electronic variable speed limit signs above lanes and at the side of the road.
When vehicles travel at consistent and similar speeds, journey times become more predictable. Congestion and queuing is reduced as traffic continues to flow steadily and the risk of collisions from vehicles approaching the back of queues is lessened.
Economy and Infrastructure Secretary Ken Skates AM said;
“Since its launch the scheme has helped improve traffic flow and reduce the number of collisions along this stretch, with the majority of drivers adhering to the limits in place.
“However, a minority of drivers continue to flout the displayed limits and act as if the restrictions do not apply to them”
Responsibility for enforcement of the variable speed limit has now been passed to GoSafe, the Wales Road Casualty Reduction Partnership and the cameras are being prepared for live operation.
The system will go live on Monday 26th September 2016, and after a 14 day period during which advisory notices will be sent out, those drivers exceeding the displayed speed limit will be sent notices of intended prosecution.
GoSafe Partnership Manager, Chris Hume said;
“The majority of drivers using this stretch of the M4 will not be affected, they know how busy this section of motorway gets, and will understand why the limits are in place. It is only the relatively small percentage of motorists who disregard the limits and risk the safety of everyone that we will be targeting.
“Where we have to, we will deal with those drivers formally through the prosecution process, but we are trying to ensure that anyone who may have become complacent over the variable limits, clearly understands the risk they will be taking, and the legal consequences.
“When the cameras go live next Monday, drivers joining the motorway within the scheme will see temporary road signs on all entry slip roads advising them the cameras are live. Where traffic conditions permit, we will also be informing drivers that the system is live using the electronic message signs on the motorway verges.
“Between now and then, through our media campaign, we are trying to reach out to as many users of the motorway as we can. Ultimately the speed limit signage is there for everyone to see, and there is no excuse, but our aim is to ensure that everyone understands the system is live, and to minimise the number of drivers who end up being prosecuted.
“We ask that motorists respect the variable speed limits at this location with a view to ensuring that congestion is reduced and safety and journey times are improved”
If you have any questions regarding the Variable Speed Cameras on the M4, take a look at the information page on the GoSafe website by clicking here.