Motorists are being warned that they will have to face lower speed limits on a major motorway, despite the absence of traffic officers and closed lanes.
National Highways has warned that drivers can expect to face temporary speed restrictions along the M25 between J5 and J7, as well as J23 and J27.
The transport authority said this would take place to ensure that newly installed technology can be tested and fine-tuned, with speed limits slashed to 50mph.
The technology will help National Highways detect vehicles that have stopped on the motorway to ease traffic flows and prevent accidents.
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Drivers on the M25 could deal with lower speed limits for the coming months
PA
While normal testing processes typically take around 12 weeks, National Highways has failed to provide a specific end date.
The Stopped Vehicle Detection (SVD) technology will be upgraded along the M25, with the 50mph speed limit staying in place.
The measures are in place as an extra safety precaution until testing is complete and the system meets the rigorous performance specification set out by National Highways.
Testing along the junctions can only take place when there are no roadworks and when motorists can use all lanes of the motorway.
Tim Wells, from the transport authority, said: "These measures are in place as an extra safety precaution until testing is complete and the system is meeting our rigorous performance specification.
"We are grateful for drivers' patience during this time and are working hard to restore the national speed limit at the earliest possible opportunity."
National Highways also confirmed that CCTV and free recovery will be in operation while drivers deal with the lower speed limit restrictions.
These slower speed limits along the busy M25 will impact drivers in Kent, Surrey, Essex and Hertfordshire.
The lower speed limit restrictions on the M25 between J23 and J27
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
Frustrated locals have slammed the new speed limits, with one saying it was "a little bit dangerous and very frustrating for drivers".
Another told Kent Online: "I think they are pointless, causing absolute havoc, everyone I speak to says how disruptive it is and it's making everyone's lives hell and very stressful."
National Highways stated that it cannot rule out finding unexpected conditions at any individual locations once construction begins.
Further work is taking place across the South East of England to create additional emergency areas.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
The lower speed limit restrictions on the M25 between J5 and J7
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
M20 between J3 and J5 in Kent – four new emergency areas
M25 between J5 and J7 in Surrey and Kent – nine new emergency areas
M25 between J23 and J27 in Hertfordshire and Essex – 15 new emergency areas
M3 between J2 and J4A in Surrey and Hampshire – 10 new emergency areas
M4 between J8/9 and J12 in Berkshire – 12 new emergency areas
M27 between J4 and J11 in Hampshire – two new emergency areas
