An Executive Minister has been 'going with the flow' this week with news that an innovative traffic control system was officially switched-on.

The £10m system, which was procured under the M1/Westlink construction works, will operate on both carriageways of the road network between M1 junction 3 (Black's Road) and A12 Westlink at Clifton Street.

The Transport Minister, Conor Murphy, said: "This new system monitors the speed and flow of traffic on M1/Westlink by detection loops buried in the carriageway.

"As congestion starts to occur, the traffic control system will automatically adjust the speed limit accordingly, displaying a mandatory speed limit on the overhead gantries and information on variable message signs to inform drivers why the speed limits are being implemented," he said.

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"The M1/A12 Westlink route carries approximately 65,000 vehicles per day and this system is an example of how Roads Service is using the latest technology to improve traffic management of this part of the road network.

"The scheme will enhance road safety, improve traffic flows and lead to more reliable journey times, improved air quality and reduced traffic noise," the Executive Minister concluded.

The implementation of this traffic control system on the A12 Westlink is the first time that variable mandatory speed limits have been applied to a road here.

New legislation has been put in place to enable enforcement of the variable speed limits by the police. The speed limits will be recognisable as mandatory as there will be a red ring around the speed limit being displayed on the gantries.

The technology used by the system is based on the Highway Agency's scheme on the M25 in England. This system was part funded by the European Union.

(BMcC)