smart motorways

How to use the emergency refuge areas on smart motorways

Emergency refuge areas are a safe haven for stranded vehicles on a smart motorway with no hard shoulder. We explain how to use them.

How to drive safely on smart motorways

Many UK motorways use technology to monitor and manage the flow of traffic. We explain how to drive safely on a smart motorway.

What are the pros and cons of smart motorways?

We look at the advantages and disadvantages of smart motorways –and the future for these controversial roads in the UK.

Smart motorways to get new safety tech by September 2022

National Highways will add safety cameras and radar-based technology to the UK's smart motorways by the end of September this year.

Most drivers are scared to use the hard shoulder on smart motorways

Three-quarters of drivers avoid using the hard shoulder when it's a running lane. And only five percent think smart motorways are safer.

Majority of motorists want smart motorways scrapped

The RAC Report on Motoring 2021 has found that six in ten drivers want a permanent end to all-lane-running on motorways.

No new smart motorways without extra safety tech, says government

Transport secretary Grant Shapps says new smart motorways will not be allowed to open unless cameras can detect when vehicles are stationary.

Smart motorway drivers told to ‘go left’

Highways England is urging drivers to ‘go left’ if they break down on a smart motorway as it launches its biggest ever safety campaign.

Smart motorway safety inquiry launched by MPs

The Transport Select Committee is to investigate the benefits and safety of smart motorways after some campaigners labelled them ‘death traps’

Smart motorway safety tech shortage revealed

Only 37 miles of England’s smart motorways are fitted with stopped vehicle detection radar to spot stationary vehicles in live lanes