A closer look at why smart motorways have been banned

SMART motorways were introduced by the coalition government in 2014 with the intention of speeding up the flow of traffic.

But they were removed from government road-building plans in 2023 due to the lack of confidence felt by drivers and financial pressures — here’s everything you need to know.

What are smart motorways?

There are three types of smart motorway in the UK — all lane running (ARL), controlled, and dynamic hard shoulder.

ARL are sections of motorway that do not have a hard shoulder.

Instead they use specially designed Emergency Refuge Areas for motorists who get into trouble.

Are there illegal baby names? Surprising monikers that are BANNED in other countries, from Sarah to Thomas

They were introduced in 2014 with a view to controlling traffic flow and easing congestion.

Around 10 per cent of Britain's motorways are smart motorways.

Controlled sections of motorway use technology to manage the flow of traffic during busy times.

Operators can vary the speed limit using illuminated signs on overhead gantries, in an effort to reduce frustrating stop-start driving conditions that often occur on normal roads.

They also activate warning signs, alerting motorists to traffic jams and hazards up ahead, and can also close lanes to allow emergency vehicles through.

Variable speed limits are enforced with automatic cameras — which run 24 hours a day, even when the limit is 70mph.

Smart motorways can also increase capacity of the road by opening up the hard shoulder at busy times.

These dynamic hard shoulder sections are operated by Highways England, a government-owned company.

All about Rachel Nickell who was murdered in front of her son Alex Hanscombe

It says congestion on the motorway and major road network in England costs an estimated £2billion every year, with 25 per cent of this resulting from incidents.

Where can you find smart motorways?

The first smart motorway scheme was used on the M42 motor­way in 2006.

All drivers deserve to have confidence in the roads they use to get around the country

Rishi Sunak

There are now more than 236 miles of smart motorways in England:

• M1: J10-16, J23A-J24, J25-J28 and J31-J32
• M6: J10A-J11A
• M8: J7-8, J8-10 (Eastbound)
• M9: J1-J1A (southbound)
• M20: J5-J7
• M25: J2-J3,J6-J7 (anti-clockwise),] J7-J23] and J27-J30
• M40: J16-M42 J3A (northbound)
• M42: J3-J3A (eastbound), J7-J9
• M60: J8-J18
• M62: J9-J10 (eastbound) and J28-J29
• M73: J1-J2, J2-J2A (Southbound)
• M74: J2A-J5
• M90: M9 J1A-J2 and J2-J3 (southbound)
• A90: Special road between the M90 in South Queensferry
• A14: J22-J33

What happens on a smart motorway?

Highways England gives the following advice when driving on a smart motorway:

• Never drive under a red “X”
• Keep to the speed limit shown on the gantries
• A solid white line indicates the hard shoulder – don’t drive in it unless directed
• A broken white line indicates a normal running lane
• Use the refuge areas for emergencies if there’s no hard shoulder
• Put your hazard lights on if you break down

Are there more speed cameras on smart motorways?

Almost 240 miles of motorways in England now have variable limits to regulate traffic flows, including on parts of the M1, M4, M5, M6 and M25.

Smart motorways use overhead gantries to display the mandatory speed limit which direct traffic into open lanes and change speed limits depending on the volume of traffic.

Also mounted on gantries are speed cameras which catch drivers straying over the speed limit.

The AA estimates that a record 7,000 cameras are now installed on motorways, A-roads and in built-up areas.

Those who break it face a £100 fine and three penalty points on their licence.

Are smart motorways dangerous?

In January, 2022, The Department of Transport announced that its smart motorway expansion would come to a halt amid safety concerns.

A Government enquiry found that at least 24 broken-down drivers or passengers have died on them since 2015.

Then-Transport Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed that he would shelve plans for new projects until he had another five years of stats.

He said: “Initial data shows smart motorways are among our safest roads but it’s crucial we go further to ensure people feel safer using them.”

Committee chair Huw Merriman stressed: “It is important this extra time is spent on ­making these motorways safer — not just on evaluation.”

When have smart motorways been banned?

The UK government confirmed on April 15, 2023, that the construction of new smart motorways would be banned.

This decision came following concerns about safety and cost.

Fourteen motorways that were earmarked for public construction have been removed from government planning.

Existing smart motorways will remain, however they will be subject to a safety refit so that there are more emergency stopping places.

The government added that two stretches of smart motorway — junctions six to eight of the M56 and junctions 21a to 26 of the M6 — will be completed as planned, as these routes are over three quarters complete.

On April 15, 2023, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “All drivers deserve to have confidence in the roads they use to get around the country.

“That’s why last year I pledged to stop the building of all new smart motorways, and today I’m making good on that promise.

“Many people across the country rely on driving to get to work, to take their children to school and go about their daily lives and I want them to be able to do so with full confidence that the roads they drive on are safe.”