Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will take advantage of the time taken for the implementation of plans to upgrade the M27 through a Smart Motorway scheme to assess the potential merits of an extension of that scheme to Junction 12.

The first Road Investment Strategy funded Highways England to develop a smart motorway scheme for Junctions 4-11 of the M27; they are currently designing that scheme and engaging with local and technical stakeholders.

The M27 between junctions 11 (Fareham) and 12 (Portsmouth) was upgraded with climbing lanes (for heavy goods vehicles) in 2008. Any extension of the smart motorway scheme to reach Junction 12 would be considered for inclusion in the second Road Investment Strategy (RIS2). Decisions on RIS2 will draw on evidence which Highways England has collected about the performance of the Strategic Road Network and its future needs; the Department will consult on Highways England’s initial report shortly.