Breakdowns on smart motorways exceed conventional ones
New research has revealed that there are more breakdowns on smart motorways than conventional ones.
According to a study by Go.Compare car insurance, 110,229 breakdowns were reported on non-smart motorways last year compared to 141,149 incidents on operational smart motorways.
This discrepancy is despite there being far fewer miles of smart motorway across the country.
Based on a Freedom of Information request to National Highways about motorway breakdowns, the figures reveal that there were an equivalent of 316 reported breakdowns per mile on smart motorways and 75 reported breakdowns per mile on conventional motorways.
Meanwhile, breakdowns on smart motorways are rising, with 108,583 incidents reported in 2022.
Tom Banks, car insurance expert at Go.Compare, said: “The higher number of breakdowns reported on smart motorways could be down to something as simple as them potentially being watched more closely, to ensure that the Red Xs are displayed promptly. Or, the figures could indicate that road conditions are poorer on smart motorways, maybe due to the increased volume of traffic.”
He added:
“If your car does break down on a smart motorway, try to get off the road as soon as you can. Put your hazards on and turn off at the next junction, service station, or refuge area, then call for help as normal. If you can’t make it or stop in an active lane, move as far to the left as you can, but only leave the car if you’re next to the verge. Otherwise, keep your hazards and seatbelt on, then call 999 straightaway.”
The overall number of motorway breakdowns has climbed over the past decade, rising from 171,021 in 2014 to 251,448 in 2024, which represents a 47% increase.
