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M42 Jct 3a - Jct 7 Active Traffic Management
What do the signals mean?
The signs and signals inform drivers of the traffic conditions on the road ahead, the speed limits and the availability of lanes. They provide protection for queuing traffic and the area around incidents from vehicles approaching the incident from the rear.
In order to maximise this protection, the signals are mandatory and will be enforced using digital technology.
Complying with the signals is a very important part of Active Traffic Management on the M42 because they are designed to make:
- Your journeys safer - the signals control the traffic around queues and incidents, which protects the vehicles in the queue/incident and the vehicles travelling towards them and is designed to make your journey safer.
- Your journey times more reliable - the signals control the traffic to improve the flow of vehicles, which is designed to reduce the impact of congestion and make your journey time more reliable.
The position and sequence of the signals ensures that drivers have time to see and understand the signal and to make a manoeuvre.
Along the Active Traffic Management section of the M42, the following signal meanings apply:
Blank Signal
Applicable to all lanes (including hard shoulder)
Normal motorway rules apply to this lane
Mandatory Speed Limit
Applicable to all lanes (including hard shoulder)
This is the maximum permitted speed
White Arrow with Flashing Beacons
Applicable to all lanes (including hard shoulder)
Move into lane directed
Red Cross with Flashing Beacons
Applicable to all lanes (including hard shoulder)
Do not proceed further in this lane
Red Cross without Flashing Beacons
Applicable only to hard shoulder
Do not use this lane except in emergency or break down
National Speed Limit
Applicable to all lanes (except hard shoulder)
National speed limits apply
**Please obey the signals and help keep the traffic moving on the M42**
The information or instruction given by the signals shown above can also be supported by information provided on the driver information panels. These are primarily used to inform road users of the traffic conditions ahead.
