13 March 2025
Following the release of the fourth stocktake into the safety of 'smart' motorways, and analysis by the Office of Road and Rail (ORR), the AA is calling for the reinstatement of the hard shoulder.
"It is little wonder that a third of drivers say they feel less safe on smart motorways compared to three years ago."
Edmund King, AA president, said; "Data released by National Highways shows that several sections of All Lane Running on the M1 have a higher KSI rate now than before the loss of the hard shoulder*. At the same time, a third of radar detection schemes tested failed to meet the standard - two of which failed and worsened in a 12-month period**.
"Shockingly, the M62 J10-12 had a system failure for almost a month***. This loss of safety technology, which drivers have been asked to put their trust in, meant they were put in unnecessary danger.
"It is little wonder that a third of drivers say they feel less safe on smart motorways compared to three years ago****. It is time to accept so-called 'smart' motorways has failed and side with the majority of drivers who want the reinstatement of the hard shoulder."
* Table taken from Annex E of the Stocktake Report. M1 J39-42, J16-19 and J24-25 have higher KSI rates after opening compared to before opening;
** Taken from pages 31 and 32 from the ORR Report:
*** Taken from page 46 of the ORR Report - The M62 system outage was in excess of 28 days:
