Government finally takes action to reduce motorway closures
Posted by Fiona Birkwood
We've all been there at some stage in our lives, stuck in ten mile tailbacks after an accident as the police try to piece together what went wrong and who was at fault for the collision.
While we all know it's important work and that it needs to be done to help all those involved, but it can be frustrating, particularly if you need to get to work or another pressing engagement.
But, thanks to a new government fund, long motorway closures following crashes could be a thing of the past.
Roads minister Mike Penning has announced he will award 27 police forces across England a total of £2.7 million to help rollout 3D laser scanning technology to reduce the amount of time major roads are closed.
The funding, together with police and the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) contributions, will enable the forces to purchase 37 scanners, which take a 3D image of the whole crash site, rather than investigators painstakingly surveying the scene.
Mike Penning said: "There is nothing more frustrating than being stuck in a traffic jam for hours on end. But even worse than that is the shocking £1 billion cost of those lost hours for our economy. That is why we are determined to improve the clear-up of accidents so we can get our motorways re-opened as quickly as possible."
The fund has been welcomed by a number of motoring organisations, with Neil Greig, director of policy and research at the Institute of Advanced Motorists described it as a "long lasting Christmas present" for motorists who have spent time in long traffic jams caused by an accident.
He added: "The frustration caused by delays leads to erratic driving, so as well as improving journey times this will also serve to make our motorways safer."
