The AA’s latest research shows a significant increase in the number of drivers feeling nervous or anxious while using modern motorways. These “smart” motorways, designed to enhance traffic flow by utilizing the hard shoulder as an additional lane, have sparked concerns among motorists.
With a total of 396 miles of smart motorways in England as of April 2024, critics argue that these systems are flawed, citing at least 79 fatalities on smart motorways between 2010 and 2024. Studies have revealed that drivers experiencing breakdowns on motorways lacking a hard shoulder are at a significantly higher risk of severe injury or death compared to those on roads with a permanent hard shoulder.
A survey conducted among 12,705 AA members showcased a doubling in the percentage of individuals reporting feelings of unease on smart motorways without a hard shoulder, relying on emergency refuge areas spaced around three-quarters of a mile apart. Similarly, motorways where the hard shoulder is only operational during peak traffic times also witnessed a notable surge in anxiety levels among respondents over the past year.
In April 2023, the Conservative government announced the cancellation of new smart motorway projects due to concerns about driver confidence and financial constraints. Edmund King, the AA president, emphasized the importance of reinstating hard shoulders in controlled motorway environments to restore trust in smart motorways.
According to the AA, there is a critical need for transparent and consistent assessments of motorway safety. The organization urged the prompt release of safety performance reports for existing smart motorway sections to provide clarity on ongoing safety evaluations.
The Department for Transport defended smart motorways, highlighting them as the safest roads in terms of serious accidents. Despite ongoing enhancements, including the addition of over 150 emergency areas, concerns persist regarding the safety and effectiveness of these systems.