The M6 Toll Motorway (M6 Junction 3a to M6 Junction 11a) (Temporary Prohibition of Traffic) Order 2025
This Statutory Instrument temporarily prohibits traffic on specified sections of the M6 Toll Motorway (between junctions 3a and 11a) from February 7th to December 23rd, 2025, to allow for roadworks.
Exemptions are provided for emergency vehicles and those involved in the works.
The restrictions will be clearly indicated by traffic signs.
This is an amendment correcting a typographical error in the original.
Arguments For
- Intended benefits: The order facilitates essential roadworks on the M6 Toll Motorway, improving its long-term safety and condition.
- Evidence cited: The order is made under the powers conferred by section 14(a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, providing a legal basis for the restrictions.
- Implementation methods: The restrictions will be implemented using traffic signs to clearly indicate the prohibition and any exemptions.
- Legal/historical basis: The order relies on the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, a well-established piece of legislation for managing road traffic.
Arguments Against
- Potential impacts: The temporary closure may cause significant disruption to road users, leading to increased journey times and potential economic losses.
- Implementation challenges: Ensuring effective communication and signage to minimize confusion and disruption among road users presents a challenge.
- Alternative approaches: Exploring alternative methods of carrying out the works, such as nighttime closures, might reduce the overall disruption.
- Unintended effects: The diversion of traffic could place additional strain on alternative routes, potentially causing congestion in those areas.
- This Order may be cited as the M6 Toll Motorway (M6 Junction 3a to M6 Junction 11a) (Temporary Prohibition of Traffic) Order 2025 and comes into force on 7th February 2025.
This section gives the order a title and states that it takes effect on February 7th, 2025.
The title clearly identifies the location and purpose of the order.
- In this Order-
- 'M6 Toll' means the M6 Toll Motorway in the counties of Warwickshire and Staffordshire; 'first length of motorway' means-
- (a) the northbound carriageway of the M6 Toll from its junction with the entry slip road leading from the A4097 at Junction T1, at Curdworth to its junction with the northbound carriageway of the M6 at Junction 11a; and
- (b) the southbound carriageway of the M6 Toll from its junction with the southbound carriageway of the M6 at Junction 11a to its junction with the exit slip road leading to the roundabout junction with the A4091 and A446 (Junction T2) at Curdworth; 'second length of motorway' means-
- (a) the northbound carriageway of the M6 Toll from its junction with the northbound carriageway of the M42 (M42 Junction 9) at Curdworth to its junction with the northbound carriageway of the M6 (M6 Junction 11a) at Great Saredon; and
- (b) the southbound carriageway of the M6 Toll from its junction with the southbound carriageway of the M6 (M6 Junction 11a) at Great Saredon to its junction with the southbound carriageway of the M42 (M42 Junction 9) at Curdworth;
- 'Motorway Regulations' means the Motorways Traffic (England and Wales) Regulations 1982( a );
- 'hard shoulder' has the meaning set out in regulation 3(e) of the Motorway Regulations;
- 'slip road' means a slip road leading to or from the second length of motorway;
- 'works period' means the period starting at 21:00 hours on Monday 10th February 2025 and ending at 23:59 hours on Tuesday 23rd December 2025.
This section defines key terms used in the order.
This includes defining the specific sections of the M6 Toll affected, the relevant regulations, and the timeframe for the roadworks.
The precise definitions ensure clarity and prevent ambiguity.
- Subject to Article 4 and Article 6, no person may, during the works period, cause or permit any vehicle to enter or proceed on the first length of motorway or a slip road.
This article prohibits all vehicles from entering or using the defined sections of the M6 Toll during the specified works period, unless otherwise exempted.
- The provisions of Article 3 do not apply to a vehicle-
- (a) being used for police, ambulance, fire and rescue authority emergency response purposes;
- (b) proceeding at the direction of, or with the permission of, a police constable;
- (c) being used in connection with the works;
- (d) being driven by, or at the direction of, a traffic officer in uniform; or
- (e) being used for winter maintenance purposes.
This article lists exemptions to the traffic prohibition.
Emergency services, vehicles involved in the works, and those directed by the police or traffic officers are excluded from the restrictions.
- Subject to Article 6, during the works period regulation 5 of the Motorway Regulations and, in so far as it relates to a vehicle being driven, regulation 9 of the Motorway Regulations are suspended in relation to the hard shoulder adjacent to the first length of motorway or a slip road.
This article temporarily suspends certain Motorway Regulations regarding hard shoulder usage during the works period, allowing flexibility for the works.
- Article 3 and Article 5 shall apply only at such times and to such extent as indicated by traffic signs.
This article specifies that the prohibitions and suspensions only apply when and where indicated by relevant traffic signage.
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