Car-sharing lane set to speed up caravan trips

Work has begun on a motorway lane dedicated to car-sharing, which will be accessible to caravans.

From spring 2008, drivers using a stretch of the M62 between Bradford and Leeds will be able to reduce travel times by using a High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane - but only if they are carrying at least one passenger.

Transport minister, Tom Harris said: "This is a very busy stretch of motorway, but just one in five vehicles travelling between the M606 and M62 has more than one occupant."

"Car sharing is good for drivers and good for the environment. This trial in West Yorkshire is just one of a series of innovative and imaginative measures being used on the motorway network."

Andrew Brown, project manager from the Highways Agency said any cars with two or more people in them, including when towing a trailer or caravan, would be eligible.

Heavy Goods Vehicles will, however, not be allowed to use the HOV lane.

In America and Canada, HOV lanes are also called diamond lanes because of their markings.

15/10/2007 16:27:08