Drivers get hard shoulder

Drivers will be allowed to use the hard shoulder on motorways across Britain in an attempt to ease traffic jams.

Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly said trials on the M42 in the West Midlands had cut congestion and journey times. The scheme will be extended.

Safety campaigners fear the move will endanger lives by blocking the emergency services and leaving drivers with nowhere to stop if they break down.

The Government says roads will be monitored, with lanes closed to allow emergency vehicles through. Lay-bys will be built every 500m for breakdowns.