Motorists to be kept better informed about M6 congestion

The Facebook page comes after the need for better communication was highlighted by the Lancashire M6 Partnership.

 

The group I chair, which includes Lancashire Constabulary, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, Lancashire County Council, National Highways and other Lancashire MPs, met again this month, where we heard the Facebook account has been set up to provide proactive news and reactive updates when issues happen.

 

One of the big bugbears mentioned to me by constituents is the difficulty in finding out information about hold-ups and planned work on the M6, so I’m glad this is being addressed.

 

I’ve also asked for a process where MPs are kept up to date with highways issues in our constituencies so we can share the information to keep even more people informed.

 

The meeting also included an update on a previous suggestion that removable central reservations could be used to help turn traffic around when there’s a major incident, which would give an extra option to those dealing with congestion.

 

Work is ongoing to map out the locations, ensure they’re in working order and train staff in how to use them.

Since the last meeting, I’ve received lots of comments and emails to my office with suggestions on how to improve travel when there’s an incident on the M6.

I know it’s really important that all your suggestions are heard by those making the decisions about our roads.

 

To make this happen, I’ll be carrying out some interviews, which I’ll share with you all, with the police, fire and rescue service, county council and National Highways to put your questions directly to them so they can explain the rationale for why some solutions are easier to implement than others.