A recent study by the AA has shown that the number of drivers feeling nervous or anxious on smart motorways has doubled over the past year. Smart motorways, which utilize the hard shoulder as an extra lane to improve traffic flow, have faced criticism for their safety concerns. There have been at least 79 fatalities on smart motorways between 2010 and 2024.
Analysis indicates that drivers who experience breakdowns on smart motorways without a hard shoulder are approximately three times more likely to be severely injured or killed compared to those on traditional roads with a permanent hard shoulder. A survey of 12,705 AA members revealed a significant increase in anxiety levels on smart motorways without hard shoulders, with 46% reporting feelings of nervousness or anxiety, up from 23% the previous year.
Furthermore, motorways where the hard shoulder is opened to traffic during peak hours also saw a rise in anxiety levels, with 47% of respondents feeling nervous, up from 30% in the previous year. The decision to halt new smart motorway construction due to public confidence issues and cost pressures was made by the Tory government in April 2023.
Edmund King, the AA president, emphasized the importance of reinstating hard shoulders on controlled motorways to restore confidence in smart motorways. The AA stressed the need for increased transparency and consistency in assessing and monitoring motorway safety. They called for the immediate release of safety reports on existing smart motorway sections to address concerns surrounding the experiment’s outcomes.
The Department for Transport defended smart motorways, stating that they are among the safest roads in terms of fatalities and serious injuries. They continue to monitor and enhance smart motorway performance, including the addition of over 150 emergency areas for user safety. The government’s Road Safety Strategy aims to elevate road safety standards further, reflecting ongoing efforts to improve road safety.
