Variable speed limits to be introduced in Scotland

MOTORISTS will face Scotland’s first variable speed limits in three weeks time when a new hi-tech traffic control system is launched on the M90 north of the Forth Road Bridge.

Speeds will be automatically lowered by traffic sensors under the road surface when they detect congestion, to smooth traffic flow and reduce delays.

The “intelligent transport system”, which goes live on 4 December on the M90 northbound, has been installed as part of construction of the Forth Replacement Crossing, which is due to open in four years time.

The system will also operate on the M90 southbound and on the M9, south of the Forth Road Bridge, from early next year. Similar systems are in use on the M25 around London and M42 near Birmingham.

Transport minister Keith Brown said: “The Forth Replacement Crossing continues to progress on time and on budget and I’m delighted that we can now begin to turn the ITS systems on to help manage and improve traffic flow and provide buses with a dedicated lane.”