The RAC has issued a strong call for the reintroduction of permanent hard shoulders across the entire smart motorway network, arguing that the current safety provisions are inadequate. The motoring organisation's plea underscores ongoing anxieties regarding the risks faced by drivers whose vehicles break down in live traffic lanes, a situation that has prompted widespread public and political debate.
This renewed push for safety improvements comes despite a government announcement in April 2023 to halt the construction of new smart motorways. That decision was made following a report by the Transport Committee which highlighted significant public concern and a lack of sufficient safety data. However, the RAC's latest statement suggests that pausing new developments does not address the inherent safety issues on existing stretches of smart motorway where the hard shoulder has been converted into a permanent or dynamic live lane.
The core of the RAC's argument centres on the vulnerability of drivers who become stranded. Without a dedicated hard shoulder, a broken-down vehicle can become a severe hazard, increasing the risk of collisions. While smart motorways are equipped with emergency refuge areas (ERAs), critics argue these are often too far apart, leaving drivers exposed for extended periods before they can reach a safe stopping point. The RAC's stance reflects a growing consensus that more needs to be done to protect motorists on these sections of road.
The design of smart motorways, which utilise technology to manage traffic flow and reduce congestion, has been controversial since their inception. Proponents argue they efficiently increase road capacity without the need for costly and disruptive widening projects. However, the trade-off in perceived safety has consistently overshadowed these benefits for many road users and safety advocates. The RAC's latest intervention highlights that despite previous government action, the fundamental safety questions surrounding existing smart motorways remain unresolved.
Ultimately, the RAC's call is for a definitive, long-term solution that prioritises driver safety. They suggest that simply pausing new builds is insufficient and that a comprehensive review leading to the reinstatement of hard shoulders is necessary to restore public confidence and genuinely enhance safety on these vital sections of the UK's road network. The organisation's data and insights often play a significant role in shaping transport policy discussions, and this latest intervention is likely to reignite the debate over the future of smart motorways.