Birmingham's new 'smart motorway' system underwent final testing at the weekend.

The scheme will utilise electronic gantry signs to automatically open the hard shoulder during busy periods and display variable speed limits. The technology has already been successfully implemented in some areas of the country, such as on the M62 between junctions 25 and 30.

During the trials, the Highways Agency deployed its traffic officer vehicles to check the CCTV camera positions were correct, in order to make sure its regional control sector can get a full view of the whole stretch.

Project manager Rob Edwards said: "When fully operational, road users will benefit from a third more capacity, reduced congestion and more reliable journey times."

If the tests are successful, the stretch of road between junctions six and eight will start using the scheme from March 1st. Further examinations will take place on the remainder of the scheme from March 30th, with the whole system expected to be fully operational in time for the Easter holidays in April.