Smart motorway fears growing among drivers
The percentage of drivers nervous to drive on a smart motorway has risen from 23% to 46% in the past year.
Smart motorways are motorways without a hard shoulder or with one which is converted into a traffic lane during peak periods. They were introduced in the UK 20 years ago and now account for about 17% of the total motorway network.
However, research from the AA based on a survey of 12,705 drivers revealed rising concern among motorists.
At least 79 people have been killed on smart motorways between 2010 and 2024, with AA research suggesting that drivers who break down on smart motorways are three times more likely to be killed or seriously injured compared with those who break down on a motorway with a hard shoulder.
More anxious
Edmund King, AA president said: “It’s not surprising that our members are more anxious about using smart motorways. If you break down in a live lane, in effect, you are a sitting duck.
“The failure of smart motorway technology over the last few years has, no doubt, added to the levels of anxiety.
“What the AA and our members would like to see is the return of the hard shoulder in a controlled motorway environment. Until that concern is properly addressed, it’s hard to see confidence in smart motorways recovering.”
