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Are Smart Motorways really the way forward?

09 December 2019

Smart motorways have been in the UK since 2006 when they were first trialed on the M42. The goal of their introduction was to combat the 60% traffic increase that has been predicted by 2040. To do this they would function without a hard shoulder to increase the capacity of the motorway whilst using lane control to protect broken down vehicles. However, does the theory match what motorists think?

With no hard shoulder to pull into, broken down vehicles must stop in an active lane if they are not near an SOS area. This can be a major safety concern for motorists with research by the RAC finding that 68% of drivers believe smart motorways compromise safety for those who breakdown in a live lane.

Despite drivers concerns for their own safety and the safety of other motorists, the majority still agree that smart motorways are a cost-effective way to increase capacity on congested motorways. This shows that motorists are not totally against smart motorways just yet but safety reviews by the Transport Secretary need to act fast to reassure road users that their safety is not being compromised.

If one of your fleet cars does breakdown on the road, remember that we are here to help. With the Marshall Assist app, you have everything you need at your fingertips. Most importantly it provides immediate access to our emergency roadside assistance service which includes a location finder if activated.  

To find out more on how we can help with all of your fleet requirements, please visit our dedicated ‘Marshall Assist’ section on our website, or call us directly on 01480 414541.

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