metal fence on M3. What is the purpose?

[scs1]

Between junction 3 and 4 on the M3 a low metal "fence" (about two feet high) has been erected a few feet back from the hard shoulder.
Every hundred yards or so a "branch "fence comes of the main fence and comes down to the hard shoulder.
Somebody on here must know what they are for, I am intrigued .

[Kinky]

You and me both.

I figured it was something to do with the earthworks going on.

[ALawson]

Could well be fences they put up on roads works to keep badgers and other animals "as identified on the biodiversity/environmental" off the road.

[shimmey69]

Been wondering the same!!?

[Vixpy1]

Yep, me too

[Landshark]

I'll ask around and see if I can find out, I would imagine its something to do with the managed motorway upgrade, but will see if anyone knows!!

[probably chalk]

ALawson said:

Could well be fences they put up on roads works to keep badgers and other animals "as identified on the biodiversity/environmental" off the road.

This I think. Often known as "newt barriers".

[xllifts]

Snake barriers, if you look on the verge between the road and barrier you will see about 2 foot square black mats, dotted about with no's on them.
This is to lure them underneath so they can be captured and studied then released away from works.
We used to erect plastic sheeting barriers on ESCC for this reason, but it may also be as has been mentioned for newts frogs etc,

[Landshark]

It's bigger than the usual stuff they use for that, are there bigger snakes/newts along there???

Also it's up against the fence, normally it's down by the carriageway???

[xllifts]

Ah yes that will be the lesser black backed trouser python they are trying to catch

I didnt realise the fencing was that far up the embankment, in which case I have no idea.

[SVTRick]

You sure? it may be to catch the purple headed bedsnake .....

[xllifts]

SVTRick said:

You sure? it may be to catch the purple headed bedsnake .....

You got one of those as well Ricki ?

[JungleJim]

Its a bloody dogs dinner is what it is, theres not a straight or level section in the whole bloody mess.