Half of motorists are actively avoiding the use of lane one on ‘all lane running’ (ALR) smart motorways, according to a recent study by the RAC. This reluctance stems primarily from safety concerns surrounding breakdowns and the potential presence of stationary vehicles in a lane that would traditionally be a hard shoulder. The findings suggest a significant lack of confidence among drivers regarding the safety features and operational design of these motorway sections.
The RAC’s research highlights that a substantial proportion of the driving public is choosing to stay out of the leftmost lane, even when it is clear. This pattern of behaviour effectively reduces the capacity of ALR smart motorways, leading to underutilised lanes and, paradoxically, contributing to the very congestion these schemes were designed to alleviate. Drivers expressed fears about the absence of a hard shoulder, which traditionally offered a safe refuge for vehicles experiencing mechanical issues or involved in minor incidents.
The 'all lane running' model converts the hard shoulder into a permanent live lane, with emergency refuge areas (ERAs) provided at intervals. However, the RAC's survey indicates that these ERAs are not instilling sufficient confidence in drivers. The fear of being stranded in a live lane, particularly one that was once a hard shoulder, appears to outweigh the benefits of increased lane capacity for many motorists.
This widespread avoidance of lane one not only impacts traffic flow but also raises questions about the long-term viability and public acceptance of the ALR smart motorway concept. If a significant percentage of drivers are unwilling to use all available lanes, the fundamental premise of these motorways – to boost capacity without widening – is undermined. The RAC has previously voiced concerns about the safety aspects of ALR motorways, particularly in the event of a breakdown, and these latest findings reinforce their position.
The implications of this driver behaviour are far-reaching. It could lead to increased journey times, greater fuel consumption due to stop-start traffic, and potentially more frustration for commuters and freight operators. For the Department for Transport and National Highways, the findings present a challenge that goes beyond engineering solutions, pointing towards a need to address public perception and restore trust in the safety of the motorway network.
In response to these findings, the RAC has reiterated its call for the immediate reinstatement of hard shoulders on all existing 'all lane running' smart motorways. They argue that this would be the most effective way to address drivers' safety concerns and ensure the efficient use of the entire road network. This stance aligns with a broader public debate and political scrutiny over the safety record of smart motorways in recent years.
Source: RAC