M6 Accident Stats

Following my conversation by phone today, I am writing with an FOI request. I am attempting to obtain a clear picture of the frequency of road traffic accidents and road-related incidents attended by Cheshire Police on the M6 motorway, for a sample period (say three months, but it could be less - see later).

This is because I am advising the North West business community on the need for High Speed 2, the proposed high speed rail link from London to the North West. What I am seeking to do is to assemble a fairly simple summary of the sort of incidents that affect the M6, for a sample period, to demonstrate how frequently the normal flow of traffic is disrupted by adverse events. As you appreciate, the M6 is an important freight artery, and we are hoping to demonstrate that its disruption is a fairly regular event. This will then help us make the case for High Speed Rail, which one day will hopefully provide an alternative to the M6, in turn easing congestion and reducing accidents/casualties.

In accordance with section 1(1) (b) of the Act our response is provided below;

FOI 3484 - Incidents on M6 Q2

Data is for last complete quarter (July-September 2011). Road traffic accidents (RTA) are highlighted.

The search was for incidents attended by a Cheshire Police officer.