National Highways report reveals smart highways not delivering financial benefits
Consumer Editor
A new report published by National Highways has shown that many smart motorway schemes are falling short of the value for money, which was originally anticipated by the Government.
The latest data highlight that two projects in particular on the M25 and the M6 are currently delivering notably poor returns compared with what was forecast at the planning stage.
In fact, out of sixteen smart motorway schemes assessed across England, only three are presently on course to achieve the financial benefits.
However, National Highways noted that most schemes are still meeting their predicted safety improvements, even if the wider economic performance is proving weaker than planned.
A smart motorway is a stretch of road that uses technology to manage traffic flow, but one of its most controversial features is the removal of the traditional hard shoulder.
Instead of a permanent emergency lane, the hard shoulder is converted into a live running lane, meaning vehicles travel on it during normal operation. This is intended to increase capacity without widening the road, but it also means drivers must rely on emergency refuge areas and overhead signs for safety when breakdowns or incidents occur.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: "The hard shoulder is by no means a safe location, but in the event of a breakdown, it's far safer than being stranded in a live lane of traffic waiting for the ‘red X closed lane’ sign to be turned on and then hoping drivers do the right thing and move into another lane.
“These roads are deeply unpopular and only the reinstatement of the hard shoulder is going to cut it with drivers. The existing technology, such as variable speed limits, could still be used to potentially ease traffic flows at busy times.”
In response to the data, the Department for Transport stated: “Our latest analysis continues to show that overall, smart motorways remain our safest roads. They are also providing much needed extra capacity for drivers, helping to reduce congestion and lower carbon emissions.”
DfT have also confirmed that no new smart motorways are planned for anywhere across the country.
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