A transport group has hit out at "incorrect" efficiency claims by the Highways Agency regarding hard-shoulder running on the M42 near Birmingham.
Campaign for Better Transport disputes the agency's claims that increasing the speed limit on the hard shoulder from 50mph to 60mph will still allow for lower emissions and increased fuel efficiency compared to non-use of the hard shoulder. It says that the assertion is based on a trial which only ran up to 50mph.
The speed limit of the Active Traffic Management (ATM) scheme, which allows drivers to use the hard shoulder during peak times, increased to 60mph on 16 October, something the Highways Agency says will improve journey times without affecting safety.
However, Campaign for Better Transport is concerned that efficiency figures in the announcement are misleading. It says claims of 4% reduced fuel consumption and a 10% fall in vehicle emissions are incorrect for vehicles travelling above 50mph.
Campaign for Better Transport's roads and climate campaigner Richard George said: "These claims by the Highways Agency into the benefits of hard-shoulder running are incorrect and as muddled as the rest of their transport policy.
"The Government's own evidence shows that hard-shoulder running at 60mph increases CO2 emissions."
A spokesperson for the Highways Agency conceded that the information quoted in its announcement related to the 50mph trial.
She told Admiral News: "We have now introduced more flexibility into the ATM by allowing 60mph running.
"This will provide additional benefits to road users, coupled with continuing environmental benefits.
