This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/west_midlands/7060423.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Hard shoulder scheme rolled out Hard shoulder scheme rolled out
(about 3 hours later)
A scheme which allows motorists to drive on the hard shoulder of a motorway is to be rolled out.A scheme which allows motorists to drive on the hard shoulder of a motorway is to be rolled out.
BBC Midlands Today has learnt transport secretary Ruth Kelly will declare the scheme a success on Thursday.BBC Midlands Today has learnt transport secretary Ruth Kelly will declare the scheme a success on Thursday.
Drivers have been using the hard shoulder on an 11-mile stretch of the M42, from south Birmingham and through Warwickshire, at peak times.Drivers have been using the hard shoulder on an 11-mile stretch of the M42, from south Birmingham and through Warwickshire, at peak times.
Transport correspondent Peter Plisner said figures showed the motorway was safer at these times.Transport correspondent Peter Plisner said figures showed the motorway was safer at these times.
He said a report, also due to be unveiled on Thursday, would show that motorway capacity is up by 13% and that pollution has fallen.He said a report, also due to be unveiled on Thursday, would show that motorway capacity is up by 13% and that pollution has fallen.
The M42's hard shoulder has been used by drivers since 12 September, 2006.The M42's hard shoulder has been used by drivers since 12 September, 2006.
A 50mph speed limit warning over the hard shoulder between junctions 3a and seven shows when the lane is in use.A 50mph speed limit warning over the hard shoulder between junctions 3a and seven shows when the lane is in use.
Drivers who break down can make use of "refuge areas" which have been created along the 11-mile stretch at regular intervals.
When a car pulls into the area, an alarm sounds in a control room and help is sent.