New chevron markings will be painted on the M1 in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

United Kingdom – The M1 will see new white chevron markings being painted between Junctions 26 and 27 in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire for the safety of drivers.

The chevrons will help to reduce accidents caused by vehicles driving too close together on a section of motorway that sees 34 per cent of all accidents being caused by "close-following".

"This is a very busy section of the M1 with 109,000 vehicles a day using this stretch," said Andrew Beadle, Highways Agency project manager.

"In the last five years there were over a thousand accidents and we expect the combined effect of the chevrons and signs to reduce accidents by at least 22 per year."

Drivers travelling at 70mph will be required to keep to the recommended two-second gap by travelling two chevrons apart.

Such markings have been proven to result in fewer accidents on other motorways up to 18km away from a chevron-marked section.

Work will begin on Monday July 3rd 2006 and will continue until the end of August 2006.

Painting will be carried out between 20:00 BST and 06:00 BST to take advantage of lower traffic flows.

Additional signs saying "check your distance" and "tiredness can kill take a break" will also be installed between Junctions 24 and 30 (Barlborough) to further improve safety.