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Orbit : M25 Multi Modal Study

Background

ORBIT: Transport solutions around London' examined the existing and future problems for orbital travel around London and produced a long-term sustainable management strategy for the M25.

The study area covered the south east from Luton in the north of Southampton in the south and east; west from Southend to Oxford respectively.

Recommendations

The consultants key recommendations are:

• On line M25 widening to dual four lanes, in conjunction with measures to control induced traffic (initially ramp metering) between: Junction 5 to 7 - M26 to Redhill/M23; Junction 16 to 23 - M40 to A1(M); Junction 27 to 31 - M11 to Dartford Crossing; Junction 1b to 3 - Dartford to A20/M20
• Improvements in M25 incident management
• Area wide road user charging from 2011 as a longer-term measure to control extra traffic.
• Review of land use controls

Measures proposed for further work include:

• Highways Agency to investigate in more detail: the need for and form of further capacity between Junction 23 and 27; improvements to M25 Junctions consistent with the widening strategy; design and appraisal of ramp metering and/or mainline flow metering on widened sections; reallocation of M25 capacity through the provision of priority lanes
• Lower Thames Crossing: further consideration to be given to a new multi modal Lower Thames Crossing with associated infrastructure.

Importance to Industry

The M25 is the strategic hub of the UK's motorway network as well as acting as an orbital route around London. It is important not only to the south east, but to the entire country.

Road freight within the south east and to and from the south east is substantial, amounting to about 340 million tonnes or about 20 per cent of the national total. With an average load of 6.5 tonnes, this represents about 200,000 movements per working day within the broad ORBIT area.

Implementation of the ORBIT recommendations would reduce journey times on the M25, increase reliability by at least 20 per cent and reduce the number of personal injury accidents.

Transport infrastructure announcement 9 July 2003 - industry views

As this is a vital trade route, we welcome the further work on widening announced by the Secretary of State today and would wish that the work is undertaken without delay. What is also welcome is the proposals for improving incident and demand management on the M25.

On the Lower Thames Crossing, which is vital for the regeneration of the Thames Gateway, we would hope that the Secretary of State's decision on this important project is made as soon as possible. The announcement merely mentions 'in due course' without being specific.

The Secretary of State has not included the MMS proposals for a Strategic Coach Network and area wide user charging will be subject to a national study.

Area Map:
Dates:	Reported: 22 November 2002
	Ministerial decision expected: Spring 2003
	Target date for completion of works: 2003 - 2011

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Last updated: Wed Feb 4 11:40:31 2004