A recent study conducted by the AA has shown that the number of drivers feeling nervous or anxious while using smart motorways has doubled in the past year.
Smart motorways, a technology aimed at improving traffic flow by utilizing the hard shoulder as an extra lane, have been a subject of controversy. As of April 2024, there were 396 miles of smart motorways in England.
Critics argue that smart motorways are flawed, citing at least 79 fatalities on these roads between 2010 and 2024. Analysis also reveals that drivers who experience breakdowns on a motorway without a hard shoulder are three times more likely to face fatal or serious injuries compared to those with access to a permanent hard shoulder.
A survey of 12,705 AA members indicated a significant rise in feelings of nervousness or anxiety on smart motorways without a hard shoulder, where emergency refuge areas are spaced about three-quarters of a mile apart. The percentage of drivers reporting such feelings increased from 23% to 46% over the past year.
Furthermore, motorways where the hard shoulder is only operational during peak hours also saw a notable surge in anxiety levels, climbing from 30% to 47% among surveyed individuals.
In April 2023, the government announced the cancellation of plans for new smart motorways due to concerns about public confidence and cost pressures.
Edmund King, the president of the AA, emphasized the importance of reintroducing the hard shoulder in controlled motorway environments to address these issues and rebuild confidence in smart motorways.
The AA underscored the necessity for more transparency and consistency in evaluating and monitoring motorway safety. It expressed concerns about the lack of clarity regarding independent safety reviews following the cancellation of the smart motorways building program and urged the prompt release of performance reports for existing smart motorway sections.
Mr. King highlighted the significance of promptly publishing safety reports to assess the outcomes of the smart motorways initiative and address any potential drawbacks.
Responding to these concerns, a Department for Transport spokesperson stated that smart motorways remain the safest roads in terms of fatalities or serious injuries. The government continues to enhance smart motorway safety, including the addition of over 150 emergency areas to enhance user safety.
The government spokesperson also mentioned ongoing efforts to improve road safety standards through the Road Safety Strategy, the first of its kind in over a decade.
