(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations amend the Motorways Traffic (England and Wales) Regulations 1982 (“the 1982 Regulations”). Although the 1982 Regulations extend to England and Wales, these amendments have application in England only.
The 1982 Regulations prescribe the manner in which motorways in England and Wales can be used, one aspect of which is the use of hard shoulders. New smart motorway schemes which enable the use of the hard shoulder as an additional lane have introduced the use of emergency refuge areas in place of hard shoulders. Accordingly, the 1982 Regulations are amended to provide for the use of emergency refuge areas.
Contravention of these Regulations is an offence under section 17(4) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.
An impact assessment has not been prepared for these Regulations as no impact on the costs of business or the voluntary sector is foreseen. An Explanatory Memorandum is published alongside these Regulations on www.legislation.gov.uk