Bristol area M4 and M5 consultation opens

A consultation has opened into plans to introduce variable speed limits and allow drivers to use the hard shoulder on the M4 and M5 around Bristol.

The Highways Agency says the plans are aimed at cutting congestion and improving safety and journey times.

It wants to start the work between junctions 19 and 20 of the M4 and junctions 15 and 17 of the M5 early next year.

The consultation will run until 23 December.

Paul Unwin, from the Highways Agency, said the managed motorway scheme would benefit more than 140,000 motorists who use the sections every day.

The agency hopes the work will start between January and March 2012.