Here's why new CCTV and speed cameras have been installed on the M27

The cameras, fixed onto tall yellow poles, have been put up by the entry and exit slip roads of many of the junctions between Portsmouth and Southampton.

But fortunately for motorists, many of them have signs saying that the cameras are not yet in use.

Why have the cameras been put up?

The CCTV and speed cameras are part of preparation works ahead of the M27's upgrade to a smart motorway.

Highways England engineers have been on site most nights between October 22 and October 31 to install the cameras.

The slip roads have been closed to help engineers put the cameras up safely.

Although details have not been confirmed, it is likely speed restrictions will be in place while the smart motorway work is going on.

What happens next?

Over the next few weeks Highways England will be installing temporary traffic management for the start of construction, as well as undergoing vegetation clearance.

Noise mitigation measures will be in place to make sure any sound generated by the works is kept to a minimum.

Further road closures will be in place in the middle of November;

November 12, 13, 14, 15 '“ M3 junction 4 southbound to M27 eastbound

November 13, 14 '“ M27 junction 4 westbound to M3 northbound

November 13, 14 '“ M27 junction 5 westbound entry and exit slip roads

November 12, 13, 14, 15 '“ M27 junction 5 eastbound entry and exit slip roads

The work will be carried out between 10pm and 6am each night.

The motorway will remain open during the day during the works, but the hard shoulder may be closed in some places.

 

Diversions will be in place along the route.

What is being done to the M27?

Highways England are transforming the hard shoulder on the M27 between Junction 4 and Junction 11 into a permanent running lane, converting it into a dual four lane smart motorway.

New signage and technology will also be introduced to help with the management of vehicle speeds and safe lane use.

Why is the M27 being turned into a smart motorway? 

Smart motorways reduce congestion and improve journey time reliability by making the hard shoulder available as a traffic lane, and use variable speed limits to smooth traffic flow.

Highways England also say that smart motorways also add much needed capacity to some of the most congested parts of the M27 and support economic growth.