Over the next twelve months there is a trial planned for large fences alongside the motorway at junction 18.

These are part of a trial into the effectiveness of physical barriers in stopping vehicle pollutants, namely Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx), from impacting on sensitive receptors, such as local residents. The trial location is to the east of Simister Island, in close proximity to Egypt Lane. The trial is being carried out on farm land which has been leased by the Highways Agency contractor. The barriers will be completely removed on completion of the trial and the land fully reinstated. The Highways Agency have assured me that there is no impact on local residents.

The trial is based upon research carried out in Holland and North America which has indicated that physical barriers may provide a way of reducing pollutant levels behind the barrier. The Highways Agency has commissioned its own 12 month pilot to assess whether the barriers will provide an effective mechanism for reducing air pollution. This is the first pilot of this type on the motorway network in England.

Monitoring equipment will be installed behind and either side of the barrier to test its effectiveness.

Please can you get in touch if you have questions about this – or queries that I need to raise with the Highways Agency.

Thanks

Tim