Toll plan to let drivers avoid jammed lanes

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The idea is just one of a number of measures unveiled by Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly today in an attempt to reduce traffic congestion on motorways.

Her plans include creating extra lanes on busy stretches by letting motorists use the hard shoulder.

The fourth lane could be reserved for car-sharing or individuals driving alone could pay a special fee to use it.

Motorways leading to London on which the hard shoulder could be used include the M4, the M20 and the M23. Other motorways being considered are the M1, the M6 and the M62.

"You could imagine a stretch on the way to the airport, or wherever it is essential to get to your destination on time," Mrs Kelly said today.

She was using a speech today to outline what she calls a new approach to congestion on the trunk roads and motorways.

She is announcing the scrapping of past government plans to build a nationwide-"pay as you drive" scheme using satellite tracking. The idea was dumped after an avalanche of protests to Downing Street.

Ministers were impressed with a trial on the M42 motorway near Birmingham, where the hard shoulder was used as an extra lane, and the speed limit reduced to 50mph at peak times. It resulted in quicker journey times without the expense of proper motorway widening.

In summer she is planning to publish a map showing where 435 miles of hard shoulder could be used as extra lanes.

Hard shoulder driving is well established in Germany and the Netherlands.