Citation and commencement

1.  These Regulations may be cited as the M3 Motorway (Junctions 2 to 4a) and the M25 Motorway (Junction 12) (Speed Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2018 and come into force on 23rd March 2018.

Amendment of Regulations

2.  In regulation 2 (interpretation) of the M3 and M25 (Thorpe Interchange) (Speed Limit) Regulations 2009(2)-

(a)in paragraph (ii) in the definition of "a link road" for "1380 metres south of the Muckhatch Lane Overbridge" substitute "2570 metres south of the New Wickham Lane Overbridge"; and

(b)in the definition of "the westbound carriageway" for "505 metres before" substitute "500 metres after".

3.  In paragraph 1(a) of the Schedule (specified roads) to the M3 Motorway (Junctions 2 to 4a) (Variable Speed Limits) Regulations 2015(3) for "700 metres" substitute "500 metres".

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations amend two sets of Regulations which impose speed limits on the M3 and M25 motorways in the vicinity of the meeting of those motorways at junctions 2 and 12 respectively.

Regulation 2 amends the M3 and M25 (Thorpe Interchange) (Speed Limit) Regulations 2009.

The amendment in relation to the M25 (paragraph (a)) alters the reference point for the start of the 50 miles per hour speed limit on the exit slip road from the anti-clockwise carriageway at junction 12 to the westbound carriageway of the M3.

The amendment in relation to the M3 (paragraph (b)) extends the length of the westbound carriageway which is subject to a 50 miles per hour speed limit ("the M3 50 miles per hour speed limit") by 1005 metres further west and beyond junction 2.

Regulation 3 amends the M3 Motorway (Junctions 2 to 4a) (Variable Speed Limits) Regulations 2015 so that the westbound carriageway of the M3 becomes subject to a variable mandatory speed limit 200 metres nearer junction 2 and from the point at which the M3 50 miles per hour speed limit ends.

An impact assessment has not been prepared for these Regulations as no impact on the cost of business or the voluntary sector is foreseen. An Explanatory Memorandum is published alongside the Regulations at www.legislation.gov.uk.