A new report published by National Highways has revealed that a number of smart motorway schemes are failing to deliver the value for money originally projected by the Government.
The latest figures show that two projects in particular — on the M25 and the M6 — are currently producing significantly weaker returns than forecast at the planning stage.
Of the sixteen smart motorway schemes assessed across England, just three are presently on track to achieve their anticipated financial benefits.
Despite this, National Highways maintains that most schemes are still meeting predicted safety targets, even if their wider economic performance is underperforming.
Smart motorways use technology to manage traffic flow, but one of the most contentious features remains the removal of the traditional hard shoulder. Rather than providing a permanent emergency lane, the hard shoulder is converted into a live running lane, allowing vehicles to travel on it during normal conditions.
The policy was designed to increase capacity without the need to widen existing roads. However, it means motorists must rely on emergency refuge areas and overhead gantry signs if they break down or encounter difficulties.
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 activated and then hoping drivers do the right thing and move over.
“These roads are deeply unpopular and only the reinstatement of the hard shoulder will satisfy drivers. The existing technology, such as variable speed limits, could still be used to ease congestion at peak times.”
In response, the Department for Transport said:
“Our latest analysis continues to show that, overall, smart motorways remain our safest roads. They are also providing much-needed additional capacity for drivers, helping to reduce congestion and lower carbon emissions.”
The Department for Transport has also confirmed that no new smart motorway schemes are planned anywhere in the country.
Nick Freeman Comments
Motorway expansion on the cheap. Narrow lanes, constant technology failings ,and false, inaccurate and unreliable information. No safe escape route and varying speed limits that frequently make no sense. Little wonder they have failed to achieve their objectives and that motorists hate them.
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