Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 23 June 2015 to Question 3171, what steps his Department is taking to reduce accidents on the M56 between junctions 12 and 14.

Highways England is considering whether there are any potential safety improvements on the M56 between junctions 12 and 14 that should be included within its forward works programme. For example, a scheme to improve the westbound merge at junction 12 is currently being assessed to establish whether it would improve traffic flow and reduce the potential for accidents.

In addition, Highways England is undertaking work to update its route strategies and may identify further safety improvements for this section of motorway. In the longer term, these and other studies will inform Highways England’s considerations whether to upgrade the M56 to a smart motorway, which would further enhance its safety performance.