Fuente : UK Government
http://www.open.gov.uk/

UK: HIGHWAYS AGENCY PROMOTES SAFE, COURTEOUS DRIVING

/noticias.info/
Drivers on the country's motorways and major 'A' roads are reminded this week to drive safely and courteously by keeping left when not overtaking.

From 7am on Monday 8 August, selected motorway message signs will display the message "Keep left unless overtaking" for one week. This is part of an overall campaign this summer that encourages better driving habits to reduce congestion and improve safety for us all.

Transport Minister Derek Twigg said:

"We want all drivers to think about how they are using motorway lanes. The 'Keep left unless overtaking' signs are designed to raise awareness among road users of their driving habits and the impact they can have on others.

Better use of motorway lanes will help to avoid causing great irritation to other drivers. It can also help to keep traffic moving freely, reducing congestion and improving safety for us all".

Forty variable message signs will be used in Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Lancashire, South Yorkshire, West Midlands, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

The Agency is urging road users to ask themselves:

* Have I finished overtaking?
* Is the road ahead clear?
* Could I move to the left?
* Am I holding up traffic behind me by staying in this lane?

The Highway Code advises motorway drivers to keep in a left-hand lane unless they are overtaking slower-moving vehicles. Drivers are told to return to the left hand lane after completing the overtaking manoeuvre or if they are holding up traffic behind them.

Public response from earlier 'Keep left' Highways Agency trials in October 2004 and January 2005 showed that a large part of the driving public supported the signs. Over half of public response was positive, with many wanting further campaigns.

Results from the October 2004 trials have shown that on average an additional 200 vehicles per hour moved left at each of the six locations.

Other messages during motorway month are Make time for a break; Keep your distance; Watch your speed; Take extra care at roadworks; Don't phone while driving.

These messages are part of DfT THINK! Campaign messages, supported by advertising on TV, radio and in the national press.

NOTE TO EDITORS

1. The Highways Agency manages, maintains and improves the network of trunk roads and motorways in England on behalf of the Transport Secretary.

2. The Highways Agency traffic information website is at http://www.highways.gov.uk/trafficinfo

3. For real-time traffic information, the Highways Agency 24-hour voice activated telephone service is on 08700 660 115. (Calls from BT landlines to 0870 numbers will cost no more than 8p per minute; mobile calls usually cost more).

Issued by the Highways Agency Press Office. For further information please contact 020 7081 7443.

Out of hours the Highways Agency Duty Press Officer can be contacted on 020 7081 7443.

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