A recent study by the AA has shown that the number of drivers feeling nervous or anxious while using modern “smart” motorways has doubled over the past year. These motorways use innovative technology to convert the hard shoulder into an extra lane, aiming to improve traffic flow. Currently, there are 396 miles of smart motorways in England.
Despite the intentions behind smart motorways, critics argue that they have significant flaws, citing a reported 79 fatalities on these roads between 2010 and 2024. Research indicates that breakdowns on motorways without a hard shoulder are associated with a threefold increase in the risk of fatalities or serious injuries compared to traditional roads with a permanent hard shoulder.
A survey of 12,705 AA members revealed a notable rise in feelings of unease on smart motorways without a hard shoulder, where emergency refuge areas are spaced approximately three-quarters of a mile apart. The percentage of drivers experiencing anxiety in these conditions has surged from 23% to 46% in the past year. Similarly, motorways that only open the hard shoulder during peak traffic hours saw a rise in driver anxiety from 30% to 47% within the same timeframe.
In response to these concerns, the government announced in April 2023 the cancellation of plans for new smart motorways due to public distrust and financial pressures. The President of the AA, Edmund King, emphasized the importance of reintroducing the hard shoulder in controlled motorway settings to regain driver trust in smart motorways.
The AA stressed the necessity for enhanced transparency and consistency in assessing and monitoring motorway safety. Despite the halt in new construction, there is a lack of clarity regarding how safety on existing smart motorways is being independently evaluated. The organization urged the immediate release of safety reports for ongoing stretches of smart motorways.
Mr. King highlighted the urgency of releasing these safety reports to evaluate the success of smart motorways. The delay in making these documents public raises concerns that the drawbacks may outweigh the benefits. The Department for Transport defended smart motorways, citing them as among the safest roads concerning fatalities and serious injuries, emphasizing ongoing improvements and increased emergency refuge areas.
As the government continues to enhance road safety standards, the introduction of the Road Safety Strategy represents a significant step forward.