M4 Smart Motorway scheme given the go-ahead

The M4 Smart Motorway scheme has been given the green light by the Department for Transport.

This will see 32 miles of the M4 between Junction 3 (Hayes) and Junction 12 (Theale) converted into a ‘smart motorway’, which includes turning the hard shoulder into an additional lane and the installation of new technology on the motorway which will help keep traffic flowing and tackle congestion.

Overhead displays and traffic cameras will be used to control speed limits and display information about traffic conditions.

It is hoped the scheme, which will cost more than half a billion pounds, will be complete by March 2022.

The application was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for consideration in March last year and the decision was made on Friday.

Sarah Richards, the Planning Inspectorate’s chief executive said: “To date, The Planning Inspectorate has examined 58 applications for nationally significant infrastructure projects, all within the statutory timescales laid down in the Planning Act 2008.

“This certainty of knowing when a decision will be made and following full consideration of public views, provides developers and investors with the confidence needed to plan the infrastructure improvements this country needs.”