The AA’s latest study reveals a sharp increase in driver anxiety on modern “smart” motorways. These high-tech roads, currently covering 396 miles in England, repurpose the hard shoulder to improve traffic flow. However, concerns have been raised over their safety, with at least 79 fatalities recorded on smart motorways between 2010 and 2024.
Research indicates that breakdowns on smart motorways without a hard shoulder pose a significantly higher risk to drivers compared to traditional roads with a permanent hard shoulder. A recent survey of 12,705 AA members showed a doubling in the number of drivers feeling nervous or anxious on these types of motorways, jumping from 23% to 46% in the past year.
Moreover, smart motorways where the hard shoulder is intermittently opened during peak traffic hours also saw a notable increase in driver anxiety, rising from 30% to 47% within the last 12 months among respondents.
In April 2023, the government decided to halt the construction of new smart motorways due to concerns over public confidence and financial pressures. The AA President, Edmund King, emphasized the importance of reintroducing the hard shoulder in controlled motorway settings to restore driver trust in smart motorways.
The AA underscores the necessity for transparent and consistent safety assessments on motorways. Despite the suspension of new smart motorway projects, there remains ambiguity regarding the independent review of safety on existing smart motorways. The AA calls for the immediate release of safety performance reports for these motorways.
Regarding safety, a Department for Transport spokesperson stated that smart motorways remain the safest in terms of fatalities or serious injuries. The government continues to enhance smart motorways, including adding over 150 additional emergency areas to enhance user safety.
As part of the Road Safety Strategy, the government aims to further elevate safety standards on roads, reinforcing the UK’s position as one of the safest places for road users globally.