A scheme to improve road safety and help reduce congestion and carbon emissions on the Leatherhead stretch of the M25 is likely to be introduced.

The Highways Agency is planning to extend its system of variable speed limits which is already in operation on the M25 between junctions 10 and 16, to the motorway between junctions 7 and 10 where the M25 meets the M23 and A3 respectively.

The controlled motorway system will allow the Highways Agency to manage traffic flows during periods of peak congestion or following an incident by slowing down vehicles or closing lanes to smooth out traffic and reduce the risk of further collisions.

Variable speed limits were introduced on the M25 in 1995, and have helped to make the motorway safer by reducing collisions by 10 per cent, and encouraging drivers to comply with speed limits.

The system uses sensors in the road surface to detect the speed, volume and flow of traffic. It then calculates the optimum speed to keep traffic moving and reduce the level of ‘stop-start’ traffic which leads to congestion. Drivers see the current speed limit displayed on electronic signals on the overhead gantries.

Highways Agency regional performance manager Peter Cormode said: “Drivers on this section of the M25 will benefit from the controlled motorway system - helping to reduce congestion and make journeys safer and more reliable by smoothing traffic flows.

“The system has a positive impact on the surrounding area by reducing noise and air pollution from the road. On the M25 between junctions 10 – 16 where this system has been in operation, we have recorded an overall reduction in emissions of between two and eight per cent."

The consultation process has started and will run until March 5.

Details have been sent to a range of stakeholders and have been published on the Highways Agency’s website so individuals can comment on the plans.