The safety of UK's smart motorway network has come under renewed scrutiny following warnings from the RAC that the government's current pause on new projects may be permanent. Critics argue that the lack of a dedicated hard shoulder leaves drivers vulnerable to collisions, with numerous incidents reported where vehicles have been stranded in live lanes.
Despite National Highways' assurances that smart motorways are as safe as or safer than conventional roads, public confidence remains low. The organisation's spokesperson believes that current safety upgrades may not be enough to fully restore trust and resolve the underlying debate. "The government faces a significant challenge in convincing the public that these roads are truly safe," they said.
The RAC's comments come as the government continues to evaluate the performance of smart motorways during the five-year pause. National Highways is working on a programme of safety enhancements, including more emergency areas and improved technology to detect stopped vehicles quickly. However, critics argue that these measures may not address the fundamental issue at hand – balancing increased traffic capacity with perceived safety compromises.
The debate surrounding smart motorways has been ongoing for several years, with families of victims campaigning vigorously for their removal or redesign. The core issue lies in striking a balance between capacity and safety, something many believe has yet to be achieved.