Friday 10th September 2004

Highways Agency misses a trick

Merging in turn? We've never heard of it!

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A new campaign to protect road workers has missed another chance to educate road users in merging in turn. Instead, the agency's advice is to get into the correct lane in good time and don't keep switching.

The Highways Agency's latest safety message, 'Take extra care through road works' are to be displayed on variable message signs (VMS) near road works on the M25, M1, M62, M56 and M6 from 13 to 19 September 2004.

According to the agency, the signs are being used at key locations to reinforce the messages of the Agency's 'Safe Driving at Roadworks' campaign. The campaign is intended to remind drivers of the risks of death or injury faced by road workers in the course of their work to keep England's motorways and trunk roads safe and well maintained. In 2002, the latest year for which the figures are available, five road workers were killed and 29 seriously injured in the course of their work on Highways Agency roads.

However, as part of the campaign, the agency misses the opportunity to encourage drivers to merge in turn, like a zip, which is widely believed to be the most tarmac-efficient way of merging two lanes.

Instead, the agency's advice on approaching road works is:

• Keep within the speed limit - it is there for your safety.
• Get into the correct lane in good time - don't keep switching.
• Concentrate on the road ahead, not the road works.
• Be alert for works traffic leaving or entering road works.
• Keep a safe distance - there could be queues in front.
• Observe all signs - they are there to help you.

Brian Barton, Group Manager of Safety Strategy and Management Group said, "The Safety at Roadworks message campaign will remind drivers to use care and consideration when they approach road works, and in particular to make sure they slow down, keep within the signed speed limits, and pay attention to road signs and works traffic. There are now around 2,000 variable message signs on the Highways Agency road network - a vital tool in the Agency's effort to protect drivers and give them best possible information."

[wedgepilot]

This is a bit odd, considering most of the roadworks I've come across lately have large 'MERGE IN TURN' signs.

[carl_w]

wedgepilot said:

This is a bit odd, considering most of the roadworks I've come across lately have large 'MERGE IN TURN' signs.

...which most idiots seem to ignore. Then if you actually try it, the nobs in the other lane block you because they think you're "cheating".

[smele]

In about 20 years people might get it.

[turbosei]

Perhaps this should be part of the highway code (haven't checked whether it's there already) and driving test.

Given that poor merging leads to jams and that jams cost money, perhaps a small tv campaign would be cost effective.

[gh0st]

turbosei said:

Perhaps this should be part of the highway code (haven't checked whether it's there already) and driving test. Given that poor merging leads to jams and that jams cost money, perhaps a small tv campaign would be cost effective.

I dont think it is part of the highway code officially as it would a) cost money to police and b) cost money to police. This money spendage is totally against government policy and therefore a few speed cameras will do the trick

Gh0st

[weed]

Came across something similar in Minneapolis USA.
Two separate lanes from one dual carriageway to another eg east to north. At the point of merge were stop/go lights which would switch one lane, one car at a time. Naturally, there were idiots who would disrupt the flow .
m.

[towman]

waiting...............................................................................