A recent study conducted by the AA has shown that the number of drivers feeling nervous or anxious while using “smart” motorways has doubled over the past year. Smart motorways utilize the hard shoulder as an additional lane to improve traffic flow, with a total of 396 miles of such motorways in England as of April 2024.
Despite the intention to alleviate congestion, critics argue that smart motorways are inherently flawed, citing a concerning statistic of 79 fatalities on these roads between 2010 and 2024. Research indicates that breakdowns on motorways without a hard shoulder pose a significantly higher risk, with a threefold increase in the likelihood of fatal or serious injuries compared to traditional roads with a continuous hard shoulder.
A survey of 12,705 AA members revealed a significant rise in feelings of unease on smart motorways without hard shoulders, where emergency refuge areas are located approximately every three-quarters of a mile. This anxiety level has surged from 23% to 46% in the past year. Additionally, motorways where the hard shoulder is only operational during peak hours also saw a notable increase in anxiety levels among respondents, climbing from 30% to 47% within the last 12 months.
In April 2023, the Conservative government announced the cancellation of new smart motorway projects due to concerns regarding driver confidence and financial constraints. Edmund King, the president of the AA, emphasized the importance of reinstating hard shoulders in controlled motorway environments to restore trust in smart motorways among drivers.
The AA underscores the necessity for enhanced transparency and consistency in evaluating and monitoring motorway safety. While the decision to halt new smart motorway constructions has created uncertainty about safety assessments, the organization urges the prompt release of performance reports for existing smart motorway sections.
Mr. King stressed the critical nature of these safety reports for assessing the success of smart motorways. The delayed publication of these reports raises concerns that any benefits may be outweighed by drawbacks. Prompt disclosure of these documents is essential regardless of their content.
Responding to criticisms, a Department for Transport spokesperson defended smart motorways as the safest roads in terms of severe accidents, highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance safety by installing more emergency refuge areas. The government is committed to raising safety standards further through the Road Safety Strategy, the first of its kind in over a decade.