A recent study conducted by the AA has revealed that there has been a significant increase in the number of drivers feeling nervous or anxious while using modern “smart” motorways. These motorways, aimed at improving traffic flow by utilizing the hard shoulder as an additional lane, have faced criticism for their safety implications.
Data shows that as of April 2024, there were 396 miles of smart motorways in England, with critics pointing out that these systems have led to fatal incidents, with at least 79 reported deaths between 2010 and 2024. Research has indicated that motorists who experience breakdowns on motorways lacking a hard shoulder are approximately three times more likely to suffer severe injuries or fatalities compared to those on roads with a consistent hard shoulder.
A survey of 12,705 AA members highlighted a doubling in the percentage of individuals feeling nervous or anxious on smart motorways without a hard shoulder, relying on emergency refuge areas placed at intervals of three-quarters of a mile. Similarly, motorways where the hard shoulder is only operational during peak traffic hours saw a significant rise in anxiety levels among drivers polled, increasing from 30% to 47% over the past year.
In April 2023, the government announced the cancellation of plans for new smart motorways due to concerns regarding driver confidence and financial constraints. Edmund King, President of the AA, emphasized the importance of reinstating the hard shoulder in controlled motorway environments to rebuild trust in the system.
The AA emphasized the necessity for improved transparency and consistency in evaluating and monitoring motorway safety. Despite the cessation of new smart motorway development, there is ambiguity surrounding the ongoing safety assessments of existing smart motorways. The AA called for the immediate release of safety reports on operational smart motorway sections to address concerns and ensure accountability.
Department for Transport representatives defended smart motorways as the safest road infrastructure in terms of fatalities and serious injuries, citing ongoing performance monitoring and investments in enhancing safety features. They highlighted the Road Safety Strategy as a key initiative to further elevate road safety standards in the UK.