AA President's Blog

Nearly two decades of concern

For almost 20 years I have been raising concerns about so-called "smart" motorways.

Over that time, I have discussed the issue with ten different Transport Secretaries, spoken to countless drivers, appeared before parliamentary committees, and repeatedly questioned whether removing the hard shoulder was ever the right solution.

Now, a detailed analysis by David Metz, former Chief Scientist at the Department for Transport, suggests those concerns were well founded.

The economic case under scrutiny

His examination of National Highways' five-year evaluations of all-lane-running (ALR) smart motorways paints a troubling picture. According to the analysis, 11 of the 13 schemes assessed failed to deliver the economic benefits that were promised when they were approved. That is a remarkable finding given that around £6 billion of public money has been invested in these schemes.

Drivers were told that converting the hard shoulder into a permanent running lane would reduce congestion, improve journey times and provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional motorway widening. Yet the evidence now suggests that many of those promised benefits have simply not materialised.

Why safety has always mattered most

For me, however, this debate has never been solely about economics.

The AA's opposition to all-lane-running smart motorways has always been rooted in safety and public confidence. Our members have consistently told us that they feel less safe on motorways where there is no permanent hard shoulder. The fear is understandable. If your vehicle breaks down, there is no guaranteed place of refuge. Instead, drivers may find themselves stranded in a live traffic lane, relying on technology and traffic management systems to protect them.

The hard shoulder has been a fundamental safety feature of our motorways for decades. Its removal fundamentally changed the way many drivers feel about using these roads.

A persistent lack of public confidence

Over the years, AA research has repeatedly shown that drivers remain uncomfortable with all-lane-running motorways. Many avoid them where possible, while others report heightened anxiety when travelling on them. Public confidence has never recovered, despite various improvements and additional safety measures introduced after widespread criticism.

The latest analysis also raises questions about safety outcomes on some sections of the network. While every road scheme is different and safety performance varies across locations, any increase in the number of people killed or seriously injured should give policymakers pause for thought.

Learning lessons for future investment

Perhaps the most important lesson is that transport investment decisions must be based on realistic expectations. If projected congestion reductions and journey-time savings are consistently overstated, then decision-makers risk investing billions of pounds in schemes that fail to deliver the value that was promised.

None of this means we should stop looking for ways to improve traffic flow on our strategic road network. Britain's motorways are vital to the economy and keeping traffic moving benefits everyone. But future investment needs to command public confidence as well as demonstrate value for money.

A sensible pause and a clear warning

The Government has already paused the rollout of new all-lane-running smart motorways. In light of the growing evidence, that decision looks increasingly sensible.

The debate over smart motorways has often been polarised, but after nearly two decades of concerns from drivers, campaigners and safety experts, the findings from these post-opening evaluations deserve serious attention.

Have smart motorways delivered?

For many drivers, smart motorways have never felt smart. The latest evidence suggests they may not have delivered the benefits that justified their creation either.

Smart Motorways: Questions and Answers

What is a smart motorway?

Smart motorways use technology such as overhead signs, speed cameras and traffic monitoring systems to manage traffic flow. There are different types of smart motorway, but the most controversial are all-lane-running (ALR) motorways, where the hard shoulder has been permanently converted into a live traffic lane.

Why were smart motorways introduced?

The Government and National Highways argued that smart motorways would increase capacity, reduce congestion and improve journey times at a lower cost than traditional motorway widening.

What is an all-lane-running motorway?

An all-lane-running motorway is a motorway where the hard shoulder has been permanently removed and converted into a running lane for traffic. In the event of a breakdown, drivers must try to reach an Emergency Refuge Area (ERA) rather than pull onto a hard shoulder.

How many miles of smart motorway are there?

There are approximately 250 miles of all-lane-running smart motorway currently in operation in England, alongside other sections of motorway that use different forms of smart motorway technology.

How much did smart motorways cost?

The all-lane-running programme is estimated to have cost around £6 billion. It was promoted as a cheaper alternative to conventional motorway widening.

Why has The AA opposed all-lane-running smart motorways?

The AA has long argued that removing the hard shoulder creates an unacceptable risk for drivers who break down and are unable to reach a place of safety. Our members have consistently reported feeling less safe on roads where there is no permanent hard shoulder.

What does the latest analysis show?

Analysis by former Department for Transport Chief Scientist David Metz of National Highways' five-year evaluations found that 11 of the 13 schemes assessed failed to achieve the economic benefits forecast when they were approved. The findings raise questions about whether the expected congestion and journey-time improvements were ever realised.

Are new smart motorways still being built?

No new all-lane-running smart motorways are currently being constructed. In 2023, the Government announced that plans for future smart motorway schemes would be cancelled, citing financial pressures and a lack of public confidence.

What does The AA want to happen now?

The AA believes future road investment should be based on robust evidence, realistic forecasts, demonstrable value for money and, above all, safety. Any future improvements to the strategic road network must command the confidence of the people who use it.

Edmund adds: "After nearly two decades of raising concerns about smart motorways, I believe the latest evidence reinforces what many drivers have felt all along. The lesson for future governments is simple: road schemes must not only work on paper, they must work in practice and retain the confidence of the public who use them every day."