MOTORWAY police officers have been reminding motorists to use all four lanes of the M6.

A new four lane stretch of the motorway between junction 19 at Knutsford and junction 18 at Holmes Chapel opened last month.

But officers said many drivers are sticking to lanes two and three.

A spokesman added: "If you are heading out today - remember to use all four lanes on the new four lane stretch of the M6 J18 to J19 Northbound (Middlewich - Tabley).

"CCTV is showing a lot of people sticking to lane 2/3. 

"Be a considerate driver and move over."

Many motorists have since asked why the newly installed Matrix signs cannot be used to get the message across.

But a spokesman added it was Highways England who control the Matrix signs and they had rejected officers' requests.

He said: "We don't control the Matrix. We don't set the Matrix. 

"We asked the question for it to be set. We were told no."

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The route should be fully-operational as a ‘smart motorway’ by early February.

Works have also seen the installation of new overhead electronic signs displaying live information – including incidents, lane closures and variable speed limits.

Around 120,000 drivers use this stretch of the M6 in both directions every day, with roadworks increasing the motorway’s capacity by a third.

The overall 18-mile upgrade between Knutsford and Crewe is now nearing completion – earmarked to be finished by the end of March.

Highways England project manager Arun Sahni said: “We’re on schedule to complete the upgrade of the M6 through Cheshire by the end of March, and we’ve now reached the stage where we can open extra lanes on almost half of the scheme.

“The additional lanes we’re introducing will significantly increase the motorway’s capacity, and will improve journeys on the key route between the West Midlands and north west.

“We’re continuing to do everything we can to minimise disruption while the work takes place, and would like to thank drivers for bearing with us during the final few weeks of the project.”