A recent study by the AA has shown that the number of drivers feeling nervous or anxious when using modern “smart” motorways has doubled over the past year. These motorways utilize technology that converts the hard shoulder into an additional lane to improve traffic flow. As of April 2024, there were 396 miles of smart motorways in operation across England.
Despite the intention to enhance traffic efficiency, critics argue that smart motorways are fundamentally flawed. Data reveals that from 2010 to 2024, at least 79 fatalities have occurred on these motorways. Furthermore, statistics indicate that motorists who experience breakdowns on motorways lacking a hard shoulder are approximately three times more likely to sustain severe injuries or fatalities compared to those on roads with a permanent hard shoulder.
A survey conducted among 12,705 AA members indicated a significant increase in feelings of anxiety or nervousness on smart motorways without a hard shoulder. The reliance on emergency refuge areas spaced at intervals of around three-quarters of a mile has led to a rise in discomfort, with the proportion of drivers reporting such feelings jumping from 23% to 46% in the past year.
Motorways where the hard shoulder is intermittently opened during peak traffic hours have also witnessed a notable surge in driver anxiety levels. The percentage of respondents experiencing unease in these scenarios has climbed from 30% to 47% within the last 12 months.
In April 2023, the Conservative government announced the cancellation of plans for new smart motorways due to concerns about public confidence and financial pressures. Edmund King, the President of the AA, emphasized the importance of reintroducing the hard shoulder in a controlled motorway setting to restore trust in smart motorways.
The AA stressed the necessity for greater transparency and consistency in evaluating and overseeing motorway safety. The decision to halt the construction of new smart motorways has resulted in uncertainty among drivers regarding the independent assessment of safety standards. The AA urged the prompt release of performance reports for existing smart motorway sections.
Mr. King highlighted the critical role of safety reports in evaluating the effectiveness of smart motorways. Delays in publishing these reports have raised concerns that the disadvantages may outweigh the benefits. Regardless of the content, immediate disclosure of these documents is essential.
Responding to the concerns, a spokesperson for the Department for Transport affirmed that smart motorways are among the safest roads in terms of severe accidents. The government continues to monitor their performance and has invested significantly in enhancements, including the addition of over 150 emergency areas to reassure users.
While acknowledging the high safety standards of UK roads, the government is committed to further elevating road safety through its Road Safety Strategy, the first of its kind in over a decade.