Why Are Smart Motorways So Controversial?
Why Are Smart Motorways So Controversial?
Date: 25th Jan 2023
Are you familiar with smart motorways? If so, you’ve no doubt heard the recent controversy surrounding them. From outraged motorists to sceptical highway maintenance workers, opinions about these roads are divided. But why is there such a debate about them?
In this blog post, we take an in-depth look at what exactly a smart motorway is and explore the pros and cons of having them on our highways.
What are smart motorways and how do they work?
Smart motorways are motorways that are optimised to improve traffic flow. They can have a number of features including variable speed limits, a higher number of speed cameras, and some use the hard shoulder as an additional motorway lane. There are three main types of smart motorways:
Controlled
These smart motorways have a permanent hard shoulder and use variable speed limits to control traffic flow
Dynamic
These smart motorways can change throughout the day. They open up the hard shoulder at peak times to reduce congestion, and up the speed limit to 60mph
All-lane running
These smart motorways do not have a hard shoulder. Instead, they use it as an additional motorway lane, and provide dedicated Emergency Refuge Areas (ERAs) for cars that get into difficulty on the road.
The Benefits of Smart Motorways
By using intelligent technology, smart motorways can adjust the speed limit in response to changing conditions, allowing greater flexibility when it comes to managing traffic. This means that congested areas can be managed more efficiently and vehicles can be safely guided around potential hazards. Smart motorways also allow for the timely deployment of emergency services by automatically alerting drivers of any accidents or incidents.
The introduction of smart motorways has helped improve the overall safety of roads and highways by reducing congestion-related accidents and bottlenecks. Smart motorways allow for a continuous flow of traffic with fewer stops, which reduces tailgating, sudden braking, and other unsafe driving behaviours that can lead to accidents or collisions. They can also help to reduce emissions as vehicles don't have to slow down or come to a complete stop as often, promoting cleaner air in densely populated areas.
The Controversy Around Smart Motorways
The controversy surrounding smart motorways has been an ongoing discussion amongst road safety campaigners and highway authorities. At the heart of the debate is the question of whether or not these types of motorways increase the risk of accidents due to their lack of hard shoulders.
One notable issue is that without the presence of a hard shoulder, motorists who break down could be at greater risk since there may not be anywhere for them to pull over to await assistance. More worryingly, drivers may find themselves stranded in a live lane which could put them in immediate danger from other vehicles travelling along at high speeds. The presence of ERAs has been met with mixed reactions, as campaigners argue that they are not always easily accessible and that they are too far apart from each other to mitigate safety risks adequately.
Additionally, many drivers using smart motorways have become frustrated with what they feel to be unfair and excessively harsh penalty charge notices as a result of minor offences or unintentional mistakes, such as misreading signs, where no property or persons were injured.
How To Use A Smart Motorway Safely
When using smart motorways, it is important to exercise caution and take the necessary measures in order to ensure safe travel. There are a number of ways you can use a smart motorway safely, including:
- Familiarise yourself with the different speed limits
- Make sure you know what different signage means
- Stay inside your lane unless otherwise indicated by signage or flashing amber signals
- Remain vigilant in scanning the road ahead
- Allow plenty of space between you and other vehicles on the road
Conclusion
Although smart motorways offer many benefits, there is significant public concern about their safety. These concerns were brought into sharp focus following a number of serious incidents involving breakdowns in live lanes. Despite these incidents, smart motorways can be safe places to drive provided motorists pay attention to the signs and be aware of their surroundings at all times. By following our safety tips, you can help make sure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience on these roads.
