Skip to main content

New traffic safety system at Dartford Crossing

From 13 June a new traffic safety system will be in use on the A282 (M25) northbound approach to the Dartford crossing tunnels. The system will identify and stop oversized vehicles or those carrying dangerous goods from entering the tunnels. It will also enable dangerous goods vehicles to be escorted through the tunnels safely and stop traffic in the event of an incident in the tunnels. Electronic message signs on the approach to the traffic safety system will provide drivers with information relating
May 22, 2015 Read time: 2 mins
From 13 June a new traffic safety system will be in use on the A282 (M25) northbound approach to the Dartford crossing tunnels.

The system will identify and stop oversized vehicles or those carrying dangerous goods from entering the tunnels. It will also enable dangerous goods vehicles to be escorted through the tunnels safely and stop traffic in the event of an incident in the tunnels.

Electronic message signs on the approach to the traffic safety system will provide drivers with information relating to road conditions and safety.

Signs on gantries over the carriageway will display variable speed limits to keep traffic flowing safely, dependant on the road conditions at the time. A red X symbol will show that a lane is closed because of an incident or people working on the road.

Additional electronic message signs will be used in the safety system to give instructions to goods vehicle drivers who have failed to comply with the size and content restrictions of the tunnels.

Traffic signals will be used to stop and direct oversized vehicles, or those carrying dangerous goods that are not approaching the tunnels in the correct lane. The signals will also be used to stop traffic in the event of a tunnel emergency. Red light camera enforcement will also be in use at the traffic signals.

Barriers will be used in conjunction with traffic signals to stop vehicles and enforce crossing restrictions when required.

Average speed camera enforcement will be in use at the Dartford Crossing. Drivers should drive at speeds appropriate to the road conditions and must not exceed the variable speed limits displayed.

Related Content

  • USDoT looks at the costs and potential benefits of connected vehicles
    October 26, 2017
    David Crawford looks at latest lessons learned from the trials of connected vehicles in the US. The progress of connected vehicle (CV) technologies takes centre stage among the hot topics highlighted in the September 2017 edition – the first since 2014 – of the ‘ITS Benefits, Costs and Lessons Learned’ survey from the US ITS Joint Program Office (JPO). The organisation is an arm of the US Department of Transportation (USDoT).
  • A journey into the Dilemma Zone with Econolite
    January 16, 2025
    Indecision on the road can kill. Econolite’s Sunny Chakravarty and Vincent Mayeda present new data-driven dilemma zone and intersection safety strategies for a Vision Zero future
  • Newcastle rush-hour traffic trials get the go-ahead
    February 15, 2013
    Traffic trials aimed at streamlining the rush-hour commute in the UK’s north-east have been given the green light. The project in Newcastle involves new satellite navigation technology which helps drivers adjust their speed so they can pass through a series of lights on green. The European project is being led by Newcastle University and Newcastle City Council, and aims to reduce city centre congestion and pollution associated with stop-start driving. Phil Blythe, Professor of Intelligent Transport Systems
  • South Africa's traffic management and enforcement gears up
    February 1, 2012
    Paul Vorster, CEO of ITS South Africa, takes a look at the national enforcement situation in the year when the country gears up to host the FIFA Soccer World Cup. There are four main drivers pushing the growth of ITS-related law enforcement within South Africa. These are: transport operations associated with hosting the FIFA Soccer World Cup 2010; traffic management linked to increasing congestion; the development of new public transport systems such as BRT; and vehicle and driver-related crime.