Smart Motorway Concerns

Motoring organisations and the police raise health and safety concerns regarding the new programme of development of smart motorways.

08:10 26 March 2020

Transport secretary Grant Shapps has responded to health and safety concerns raised by motoring organisations by saying that ensuring road conditions are safer their top priority. 

 

 

 

In a letter, Councillor Russ Bowden said: “The council has noted the health and safety concerns which have been expressed by motoring organisations and the police regarding the new programme of development of smart motorways.

 

 

 

“These concerns include inadequate refuge facilities for stranded vehicles, the recent history of accidents – some of which have resulted in loss of life – and the technology factors that have meant that the motorway controllers are unable to take quick actions when there is a problem.

 

 

 

“The loss of the hard shoulder to allow an additional running lane adds to these concerns.

 

“Highways England recently notified the council of a new programme of works on the M6/M62 network, which passes through the Warrington borough area.

 

 

 

“I would therefore be grateful to have your reassurances on the new smart motorway programme roll-out, confirmation that you are satisfied with the mitigations in the Highways England risk assessments and that these schemes are capable of maintaining the highest standards of driver and public safety.”